UPDATE 1.50pm: The state government’s education and training department spokeswoman Katie Elliott said Journey Management Group had entered into liquidation and ceased training.
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“The department will be in contact with all Victorian Government-funded students explaining their options for further training,” she said.
“This is a difficult time for students and we will help them complete their training by transitioning them to a TAFE or, where this is not possible, another training provider contracted by the department.
“The department will also be working with Hall Chadwick Chartered Accountants who have been appointed liquidators in providing assistance to students.”
She said advice and support for students is available by calling the TAFE and Training Line on 131 823 or email tafe.courseline@edumail.vic.gov.au.
EARLIER: It has been confirmed Journey Management Group has gone into liquidation.
A note posted on Journey’s new defunct website says “Journey Management has ceased operations due to government funding cuts”.
It then directs viewers to a letter from liquidator David Ross, from Hall Chadwick Chartered Accountants.
Mr Ross’ letter said he was appointed liquidator as of Monday.
“I understand that the company ceased to trade as of Friday, July 13,” it reads.
“As a result the training and courses provided by the company will no longer be available to students.
“As liquidator I will be working with Skills Victoria to identify any available companies that may provide similar training and courses for the companies students to transition into if possible.”
The letter advises communication will continue via email to facilitate replacement training for students.
It comes after the Warrnambool training provider closed its doors, leaving staff and students in the lurch.
Staff at Journey Management Group were told on Friday afternoon the forklift, truck driving and earth-moving training centre was finishing in the city.
On Sunday equipment and cars were being loaded onto trucks at Journey’s Strong Street site.
A woman confirmed Journey was “totally closed”, however she did not want to comment further.
The Standard has sought comment from the Department of Education and Training.
The forklift and excavator training provider had bases at Ballarat, Warrnambool and Geelong as well as a spate of offices across regional Victoria in locations such as Portland, Bendigo, Shepparton, Hamilton and Horsham.
Company director Shane Blakeborough had also been in charge Geelong-based transport company Transtex, which went into liquidation in late 2017.
Students can call the Hall Chadwick office on (08) 8943 0645 or email journeymanagement@hallchadwick.com.au with any inquiries.