History
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE was officially opened in February 1982 on the former site of Holmesglen Constructions in Batesford Road, Chadstone. The site had been developed as an armaments factory during World War II and was later used by the Victorian Housing Commission for the production of pre-fabricated concrete housing. An Institute Council comprising representatives from industry, trade unions, Malvern City Council, staff and students was established in 1982.
Holmesglen was incorporated under the Post-Secondary Act (1978) to provide a range of general TAFE programs for the community and basic training for all the trades associated with the building and construction industry.
The first class conducted at the Chadstone campus was for Carpentry and Joinery apprentices in late January 1982. Since that time Holmesglen has extended its program range to incorporate all levels of TAFE education.
Work began on the first stage of a building program in 1983. Building 4 was completed in 1986, followed by Building 1 (1987), Building 2 (1988), Buildings 3 and 7 (1990) and the Furnishing Industry Training Centre, Building 5, (1994). A Childcare Centre opened in 1990 offering places to children of students, staff and the community.
In 1993 the Council constructed a new lecture theatre, additional classrooms, gymnasium and aerobic centre. The Childcare Centre was extended to offer an additional 18 places.
In 1996 and 1997 the Council undertook further construction works to provide additional teaching classrooms, library space and staff offices, as well as the resurfacing of parking areas to provide additional car parks for students. In 1987 the Council established an Overseas Education Unit. Holmesglen is now Victorian TAFE's largest provider for overseas students and has undertaken project work throughout South East Asia.
On 11 May, 1994, Holmesglen became the first Australian educational institution to be registered as having met ISO 9001/AS 3901/NZS 9001. As Australia's first quality assured educational institution, Holmesglen has established, both locally and internationally, a reputation for excellence and innovation in vocational education and training. Holmesglen's registration has been approved at all subsequent audits since that that time.
Holmesglen's programs are highly regarded amongst employers and other educational institutions alike. The Institute's diverse student profile is made up of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds who are pursuing a wide range of educational and employment outcomes.
In 2001, the Minister, the Rt Hon Lynne Kosky, formally opened Building 8, which was funded by Council. This building houses a state of the art Information Commons, the offices of the Directorate, Finance, Personnel and a series of corporate meeting rooms. During 2001, Building 1 was refurbished with State Government funds to provide a new integrated service area for students where they can obtain information and enrol, a technology-rich lecture theatre and new staff facilities for the Information Technology Department. Building 7 was also refurbished by the Council to extend the Cafeteria and provide new accommodation for staff and students in the International Centre, Student Services and Training and Development Services. Extensive landscaping between Buildings 1, 7 and 8 has also been carried out.
The Waverley Campus was also transformed in 2000 with a new building housing administration, a mini Information Commons, Tourism/Hospitality, Community Services and some Business Services programs. Some specialist IT programs are being progressively relocated to broaden the educational offerings at Waverley. A new nursery was constructed and this has become the site of an exciting work experience opportunity for the large number of disabled students serviced by Holmesglen through its Vocational and Community Services Department on the Chadstone Campus.
A new Master Plan for the Chadstone and Waverley Campuses was developed throughout 2001, focussing on further developments at Waverley and on the Warrigal Road frontage of the Chadstone Campus.
Following a State Government review, at the beginning of 2002 Holmesglen acquired a new campus at 488 South Road Moorabbin. The Moorabbin site was formerly part of Chisholm Institute and its integration into Holmesglen provided many exciting changes and challenges for staff and students.