Melbourne Polytechnic signs MOU with Sichuan College of Architectural Technology

Melbourne Polytechnic has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Sichuan College of Architectural Technology (SCAT) to foster international connections and academic exchange in civil engineering, construction and interior design.

At an event hosted at our soon-to-be-launched Collingwood Campus on Wednesday 24 April, President Qian Su from SCAT signed the MOU with MP Chief Executive, Frances Coppolillo.

The event was attended by visiting SCAT delegates and government representatives including Craig Robertson, CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority and Jonathan Russell and Chris Hogg, from Global Victoria and Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) respectively.

The MOU establishes our Collingwood Campus as an overseas internship base for visiting SCAT academics to share vocational skills and research exchange, focused on construction and engineering. 

SCAT is located in the Chinese province of Sichuan and has been ranked in the Top 50 influential vocational colleges in Asia-Pacific.

Following the signing of the MOU and presentation of a commemorative plaque, Craig Robertson led a round table discussion on the skills needs of Victoria and the role of vocational educational providers in supporting those needs. There were also discussions around Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure project and its current and future skills requirements in construction and civil engineering.

Sichuan College of Architectural Technology (SCAT) delegates on tour of Melbourne at the Victorian Tunnelling Centre.

These round table discussions identified potential future opportunities to extend and add value to the MOU, which will come into effect in 2025, with the anticipated arrival of around 6 academics in Melbourne.

In addition to this event, the Chinese delegates’ Melbourne visit included a tour of the Victorian Tunnelling Centre and cultural activities including a visit to the Great Ocean Road and an AFL football match.

We look forward to a fruitful MOU with SCAT and welcoming the next intake of visiting academics in 2025.