An Australian-first tunnelling training centre will open next year in Chadstone. The centre will train thousands of local workers to deliver tunnel projects in Victoria - including the North East Link.
The new $16 million Victorian Tunnelling Centre will be built at Holmesglen Institute’s Chadstone campus to train and skill local workers in underground construction and tunnelling.
It will include a replica tunnel with a full-height entrance, three multi-purpose engineering workrooms and training facilities including tunnel shaft and concrete lining spray simulators, as well as virtual reality experiences.
Holmesglen Institute will offer both existing and new courses at the tunnelling centre, including Certificate and Diploma qualifications as well as safety-based training for working underground. By 2021, it is estimated up to 5,000 students will participate in training courses at the centre each year.
The centre, which is modelled on the successful Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy established as part of London’s Crossrail, will open next year.
North East Link will deliver three-lane twin tunnels travelling for 5 kilometres beneath Bulleen Road, residential and environmental areas. The project will create thousands of jobs in construction.