The Andrews Labor Government is restoring SuniTAFE’s Community Service funding, with a multi-million boost to support disadvantaged students.
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert today announced $2.9 million in Community Service funding, part of the Labor Government’s $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund.
The fund is a boost for vital programs that support locals in the North-West and Northern Mallee regions to access training and support.
With this extra funding, SuniTAFE expects 17 programs to be expanded or improved.
The institute will re-introduce its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts course which was cut due to a lack of funding from the previous Coalition Government.
The area has the state’s largest indigenous population, but indigenous students are half as likely to finish year 12 compared with the rest of the population.
The funding will help address issues of unemployment and education retention for indigenous students in the region.
SuniTAFE also plan to reintroduce an aged care course at its Robinvale campus after it was stopped due to the high cost of delivery.
There are skills shortages in the Robinvale area in the health care sector, and with an ageing population this money will mean locals can study the course close to home.
Counselling and learning support services will also be strengthened to make sure students who need extra support to complete training get the help they need.
Coalition funding cuts devastated TAFEs across the state, ripping away funding needed to provide vital student services and support for disadvantaged and vulnerable students.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Member for Northern Victoria Steve Herbert
“Often young people lack the confidence and skills to get into formal training, this extra funding will make sure there is support in place so vulnerable young people can improve their lives.”
“SuniTAFE plays such an important role in training locals and we’re making sure it has the resources it needs to provide that quality training.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020