The first sod has been turned on the $20.25 million facility, which will be four times larger than the existing TAFE and Warrnambool City Council libraries.

It will feature study and meeting rooms, exhibition areas, a digital media zone, computer areas and a café.

A. W. Nicholson has been appointed to build the facility - a joint project between the government, TAFE and the council which is expected to be completed in 2022.

The government has chipped in $16.3 million, the council has allocated $3.12 million and TAFE $830,000.

The project is set to give young people the chance to gain real-life industry experience with apprentices and trainees from TAFE making up to 10 per cent of the construction workforce, working alongside local builders, plumbers and electricians.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said it was exciting to see construction start.

She said it would be a great facility for students and the community and provide important, on-the-job experience for the next generation of construction workers.

South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said it was a huge investment in the future of Warrnambool.

He said it would strengthen the link between TAFE and the community by providing state-of-the-art facilities and exciting learning opportunities.

"It's literally giving apprentices a chance to study on the same site where they are getting practical experience - what better way to educate students than to be part of a major project relative to their studies?"

"It's a $20.5 million state-of-the-art project that our students can feel a part of, and it's something they will look back on in years to come and be proud of their contribution."

Although total apprentice numbers involved in the project have not been confirmed, Mr Fidge said Nicholson Construction was a big supporter of the concept.

"It's a fantastic outcome for educational aspirations in our community," Mr Fidge said.

The project is part of the government's $33 million Big Build Apprenticeships program which will help apprentices kickstart their careers on some of the state's largest projects.

The three-storey multi-purpose facility includes an indoor/outdoor café, public computers, study places, meeting rooms, dedicated zones for children, young people and older people, a games and digital media zone and outdoor children's garden and play area.

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