Five Melton workers have lost their jobs and 40 students are unsure of their future, after training giant Evocca College announced 17 campus closures across the country.
The news came as a blow to staff and students, who had been told of the imminent closure of smaller campuses, including those at Melton, Epping, Preston, Ringwood, Sunshine and Werribee, in Victoria.
More than a quarter of the college’s workforce – 220 people out of 770 nationally – has been made redundant.
A college spokeswoman said there were 40 students enrolled at the Melton campus, which only opened last year.
Management briefed affected staff on Thursday, offering employee assistance programs and outplacement services as part of separation packages.
Evocca College chief executive Craig White said the decision to close was made after changes to the VET fee-help legislation earlier this year.
While the decision to “restructure” Evocca College was “difficult”, Mr White said it was necessary. He said the January 1 reforms had a “large” impact on the entire skills education sector.
“Fewer students will now be able to qualify to enter diploma-level courses at all training organisations under new rules, including more stringent language, literacy and numeracy testing requirements,” he said.
“In addition, VET fee-help has been capped to 2015 levels, restricting the growth of all providers, both public and private. A workforce reduction is always the last resort, and Evocca College has taken every possible step to minimise the impact of the changing operating environment.
“The changes we are making are regrettable, but unavoidable, and are aimed at ensuring we remain a financially-robust vocational education provider,” Mr White said.
Student options
Students at the affected campuses will either be transferred to another Evocca College campus or be given an option to study online.
The closest campus to Melton will be at Broadmeadows – about 40 kilometres away.
“We are liaising with the small group of affected students, and are focused on a seamless transition to the new delivery,” Mr White said.
Evocca is the latest training provider to pull the pin on the outer west, while Victoria University has all but closed down its Melton campus, with no classes offered.
Melton council economic development and advocacy manager Michael Tudball said council is concerned about Evocca’s closure.
“Tertiary education … to gain qualifications and lift the level of education within the city, is vital,” Mr Tudball said. “Council continues to advocate to state and federal governments …to ensure that our community has equal access to those facilities and services required.”
