Warrnambool-based South West TAFE and Lyndoch Living will share in the funding, along with Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), Eventide Homes Stawell Inc and Western District Health Services (WDHS).

The allocation comes from the Victorian government through the Workforce Training Innovation Fund.

The program has a two-year period for completion with some pilot delivery of new learning models expected as part of the finished product.

The program was launched by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney, who said the program would take into account the changing nature of the workforce.

She said a 15-year-old today will have 17 jobs over five different careers. 

“We know the skills employers are looking for continue to change and that people entering the workforce today will have highly dynamic, varied careers,” Ms Tierney said.

“We are investing in this innovative project which will help south-west Victoria’s next generation of workers develop the skills they need to secure real jobs and build successful careers.”

The project has been dubbed New Work Mindsets in South West Victoria.

South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said the project would shift the mindset of students and employers from specific training to building a portfolio of technical, enterprising and career management skills.

“These skills will increase the long term employability of TAFE graduates to better meet the immediate needs of employers,” he said. 

“It will help to make sure students are work ready for jobs now and into the future.”

The project is being led by South West TAFE executive manager of educational projects, Madelyn Lettieri.

She said an existing space at South West TAFE would be refurbished as a base for the program.

She said the aim of the program was to form new career management thinking for workforces and address emerging and future needs for healthcare, social and aged-care industries.