Final designs for the new Wangaratta Tech School have been unveiled by Jaclyn Symes, MP for Northern Victoria. The development, to be located in Cusack Street at GOTAFE's Wangaratta campus, paves the way for an immersive STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning experience for students from local partner secondary schools. It will provide programs to secondary students from across the North East, aiming to inspire them to pursue STEM study and career pathways. Environmentally-sustainable design features and industry-standard technology will play important roles in the construction and operation of the tech school, which will cater for up to 85 students at a time. "All Victorian students, no matter their location, deserve access to the best learning facilities," Ms Symes said. The school will deliver STEM learning programs and a state-of-the-art learning environment, and will support change in the region's education system to benefit students, staff and local industries. "Students in North East Victoria will have the chance to explore future career pathways in STEM jobs that align with local businesses and industry in the area," Ms Symes said. Set to open in the second half of 2026, Wangaratta Tech School is one of six new tech schools to be rolled out across Victoria, with a school to open in Frankston in term three this year and others also coming in late 2026 in Dandenong, Warrnambool, Hume and Brimbank. This will bring the total number of tech schools in the state to 16, providing local access to high-tech, hands-on programs for 210,000 secondary students through $116 million in state government funding. Luke Surace, GOTAFE's executive director - education, said GOTAFE was excited to see Wangaratta Tech School progress to the final design stage. "The school is already having an impact in our community through outreach and engagement with schools in the area," he said. "When the tech school is built in Cusack Street, local students will have free access to cutting edge technology, building skills in areas such as health, agriculture, clean energy, sustainability and artificial intelligence."
