Engineering and automotive students in Portland will soon have access to new courses in the skills they need to get a job, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited South West TAFE’s Portland campus to announce that an extra $777,000 will go to train the next generation of engineering and automotive workers in the region.
Four new courses will be on offer for local students at South West TAFE’s Portland campus including Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (apprenticeship), Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (apprenticeship), Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation and Certificate II in Engineering Studies.
Welding equipment, engines, robot arms and laser cutting equipment will also be made available to students taking part in the new courses.
The new courses will help respond to the engineering industry’s technological changes to ensure students receive relevant skills and training that meets industry standards and practices.
The Labor Government is also investing in support services for South West TAFE students, today announcing $2.11 million in Community Service Funding for campuses across the state.
Community Service Funding supports Victorian TAFEs to give students literacy and numeracy support, extra help with study, additional learning space and specific support for Koorie Learners and Staff, people with a disability and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
It also provides for social welfare support, including counselling and referral, and services to help students get job ready with help writing resumes, preparing cover letters and getting ready for interviews.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 is investing an additional $644 million to strengthen TAFE, address skills shortages and ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a good job.
To make it easier to access training, the Government is investing $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses that lead to jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers tuition free.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“We want people in Portland to be able to access training and get a job without needing to leave home – that’s why we’re funding training in skills we know are in demand across this region.”
“We’re making sure that all TAFE students have access to latest technology and training practices, regardless of their location.”
“After years of devastating cuts and campus closures by the previous Liberal government – we’re making the record investments needed to put TAFE back at the heart of training in Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020