Guaranteed funding to secure the future of South West TAFE, support for training in regional areas like Western Victoria and quality training to ensure locals have the right skills for the jobs of the future, will underpin Victoria’s overhauled training and TAFE system.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today welcomed the Andrews Labor Government’s changes to training and TAFE in Victoria which builds on the work it has already done to fix the training system.
Ms Tierney said the changes will result in a high quality, stable system that restores the confidence of students, employers and industry, and transforms training in the region.
Skills First features a more managed and focused training and TAFE system, with the Government having a stronger role, partnering with industry and quality training providers to provide government funded training.
Starting with $114 million in 2017, Victoria’s TAFEs – including South West TAFE – will receive additional funding recognising their role as public providers helping Victorians access real training for real jobs, providing an opportunity for disadvantaged learners.
In addition, each year, Victoria’s training providers will have access to three targeted funding streams; in 2017, $30 million for the Regional and Specialist Training fund, $20 million to support high needs learners, and a $40 million Workforce Training Innovation Fund – promoting innovative training and skills in emerging and priority industries.
The reformed system – which will be introduced progressively from January 2017 – follows last year’s response to the independent VET Funding Review led by Bruce Mackenzie.
Ms Tierney said the Government inherited a training and TAFE system in disarray with regional Victoria neglected by the former Coalition Government.
Confidence in TAFE was at an all-time low, campuses were being closed and institutes were on the brink of financial collapse.
That’s why the Labor Government has invested heavily in TAFEs, including the $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund and our $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund. This has included $10.5 million for South West TAFE.
The Government has also cracked down on dodgy providers, with a quality blitz and tough new training contracts. For more details on the new system, go to www.skillsfirst.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“This new model will help secure the future of training and TAFE in Western Victoria.”
“It will mean a strong and stable TAFE in Western Victoria, and will mean students in the area can be confident that they are getting real training for real jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“With Skills First we’re making sure Victorian students have access to real training that will lead to a real job so they don’t waste their time and money on courses that won’t get them a job.”
