The Andrews Labor Government is continuing its support of TAFEs with a $50 million package to bolster TAFE training in response to falling training levels.
Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, announced GOTAFE will receive $8.4 million from the package during a visit to the institute’s Benalla campus this morning.
The money will help support the TAFE to deliver important, relevant training and to drive growth in apprenticeships and traineeships.
It will also help the institute better meet the employment needs of the local community and industries by providing relevant skills to meet the needs of the changing economy.
Today’s announcement is on top of the $34 million for a regional skills and training package, announced as part of the Regional Statement yesterday.
The program will be led by regional businesses and industry in partnership with local training providers including TAFEs. It will include innovative local training to areas not currently being serviced.
The previous Coalition Government spent four years mismanaging the state’s training system and cutting funding to TAFE, which saw seven TAFEs close to collapse.
The Labor Government has promised to invest $1.2 billion into TAFE and training in Victoria and that’s what we are delivering on.
This announcement is on top of funding already announced by the Minister earlier this year for GOTAFE including $4.3 million from the TAFE Back to Work Fund.
The institute also received $1 million towards establishing two Skills and Jobs Centres which will help students, workers needing to reskill and employers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“We’re doing everything possible to make sure Victorians can get off the treadmill of unemployment and onto the footpath to success.”
“We are pushing ahead with support for skills and training that will grow Victoria’s economy.”
“This $8.4 million will help GOTAFE recover from the years of neglect by the former Coalition Government.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“I’m committed to making sure GOTAFE receive all the resources it needs to deliver high quality training to the people of North East Victoria.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021