The Andrews Labor Government is lifting the burden forced on Holmesglen Institute by the former Liberal Government with a $3.5 million boost to support vulnerable students.
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert joined Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos during a visit to Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus today to announce the funding, which will help pay for vital programs that support some of the most disadvantaged members of the community.
Holmesglen will use part of the $3.5 million for a new Apprentice Support Centre which will help the 3,000-plus apprentices at Holmesglen overcome learning, life and work hurdles that might stop them completing their training.
The program will identify and target apprentices who are struggling to complete their training because of personal issues.
The money will also help provide wrap-around support to young people who have a range of complex learning needs through Holmesglen’s Vocational College and Education First Youth Foyer.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Learning support will also be expanded, with Holmesglen providing in-class and one-on-one literacy and numeracy support to those most in need of additional development, and a new ‘drop-in’ service.
Coalition funding cuts devastated TAFEs across the state, ripping away funding needed to provide vital student services and support for disadvantaged and vulnerable students.
This Community Service funding is part of the Labor Government’s $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund.
Mr Herbert also used the visit to open Holmesglen’s Skills and Jobs Centre which will be the first point-of-call for students looking to start training, workers needing to reskill and unemployed workers needing support to re-entre the workforce.
The Centre is one of 20 around the state, funded from $16 million from the Labor Government.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“Public TAFEs play a vital role across Victoria in helping disadvantaged students gain access to training and job opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“Holmesglen plays such an important role in the training of our local community and we’re making sure it has the resources it needs to provide that quality training.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020