Labor is backing TAFE to train workers needed to build homes faster and cheaper.

Minister Brooks and Minister Giles today launched the first accredited, long-form qualification delivered through Melbourne Polytechnic’s Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.

The Certificate III in Prefabrication Installation will train students for careers building prefabricated homes.

Students will receive hands-on training and flexible blended learning.

These skills are needed to work with modern methods of construction (MMC).

Modular housing is built off-site, then transported and assembled quickly on location, delivering quality homes faster and cheaper.

The qualification was developed in consultation with industry through the Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.

It will be hosted at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Heidelberg West campus.

The Centre of Excellence is a national hub for training, research and innovation across Australia’s building industry.

Victoria is already home to more than 200 companies specialising in MMC, spanning design, manufacturing, transport, assembly and installation.

Alongside the new Certificate III qualification, the Centre of Excellence is already delivering four industry-designed short courses.

These help existing workers and businesses adopt modern methods of construction.

The $50 million Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence is jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments.

To find out more about national TAFE Centres of Excellence, visit vic.gov.au/national-tafe-centres-excellence.