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MP recognised in national funding programs for clean energy and teacher education

MP recognised in national funding programs for clean energy and teacher education

Sep 7 2026
virtual reality image credit: project collaborator, Catalyst VR

Melbourne Polytechnic's expertise in virtual reality simulation and immersive learning is gaining national recognition, with the institute securing roles in 2 major federally funded projects focused on strengthening workforce capability in education and clean energy.

Drawing on its experience creating authentic learning environments that enable students to build skills in realistic workplace settings, Melbourne Polytechnic will contribute to a national clean energy training initiative while leading a project designed to better prepare the next generation of teachers for the classroom.

Strengthening teacher education
Melbourne Polytechnic is leading a partnership project funded through the Australian Government's Strong Beginnings (Excellence) Fund, established to strengthen initial teacher education across the higher education sector.

The Melbourne Polytechnic-led initiative was one of 6 projects selected in the first round of grants, which are collectively worth around $1.5 million. The project focuses on supporting pre-service teachers to effectively manage classroom behaviour during professional placements, helping future educators enter the classroom with greater confidence and capability.

Melbourne Polytechnic was selected to lead the project in recognition of its expertise in applied educational technology, including the use of AI-enabled virtual reality simulations to create authentic learning experiences. These capabilities will help inform innovative approaches to preparing future teachers for real-world classroom challenges in a safe and supportive environment.The funding forms part of broader national efforts to improve teacher training, increase completion rates for education students and ensure graduates are better prepared for the realities of contemporary classrooms.

Supporting Australia's clean energy transition
In a separate recognition, Melbourne Polytechnic has joined a national consortium awarded funding through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries Applied Research Grants program, which distributed more than $1.3 million across 7 projects addressing workforce and training needs in the renewable energy sector.

Led by TAFE Queensland Learning Technology Innovation, the project involving Melbourne Polytechnic received $199,144 to develop a framework for adopting immersive technologies in battery training. The initiative brings together Melbourne Polytechnic, North Metropolitan TAFE, eLumina and Real Serious Games to explore how virtual learning environments can enhance training in complex and safety-critical battery industries.

As demand for battery and energy storage skills grows, the project will support safer, more effective training and help educators deliver industry-relevant learning.

While virtual and augmented reality technologies are gaining momentum across the VET sector, adoption and capability remain uneven. The project will explore how these tools can be more effectively integrated into battery and clean energy training, enabling learners to practise skills in realistic, high-risk environments.

Building on Melbourne Polytechnic's expertise in virtual reality welding training, MP is well placed to contribute practical insights into the development and delivery of immersive learning experiences.

The 12-month project is expected to support broader adoption of these technologies across the VET sector.

Building workforce capability through collaboration
These nationally funded projects highlight Melbourne Polytechnic's leadership in applying emerging technologies to workforce development and education.

Through partnerships with government, industry and education providers, Melbourne Polytechnic is using virtual reality simulation and immersive learning to create authentic training experiences that build confidence, capability and job-ready skills.