Conceived via a joint initiative between 12 local schools and the Northern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network, Deakin TTC was developed through a highly collaborative process. Utilising regular meetings and workshops with Mildura Senior College staff and other consortium representatives, this process enabled us to develop a design that would strengthen student pathways in alignment with areas of local industry demand, support the aspirations of the partner schools, and meet the educational needs of the students.

Bringing together a sense of intrigue and excitement articulated via bold, eye-catching colours and forms, with references to the Australian shearing shed in the interior layout, the design recognises the continued nature of innovation and change within the industry. This practical, functional, visually appealing, state of the art facility provides highly efficient facilities that facilitate interactions between trades creating an environment where students are challenged to be inquisitive.

Welcoming students into the heart of the TTC, a light-filled, voluminous Central Gallery enables views into all training areas, whilst also providing opportunities for students to gather, linger and cross-ideate. With core programs spanning Building & Construction, Furniture & Cabinet Making, Automotive, Engineering, Electro Technology, Avionics and Hospitality, a series of trade-specific workshops open off the Central Gallery, each with direct access to undercover project yards.

Designed with physical and visual interconnectivity between workshops, with carefully considered isolation between spaces that require different levels of dust and noise control, the environment encourages flexibility across trades, enabling combined application of skills/materials on projects and supporting the cross pollination of skills and ideas.