The Andrews Labor Government is restoring South West TAFE’s Community Service funding, with a multi-million boost to support 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.
With this extra funding, South West TAFE expects 10 vital programs to be expanded to help disadvantaged locals in the south west region access training and support.
The institute will strengthen its Learning Support Unit meaning more students will be able to access language, literacy and numeracy assistance at the Warrnambool, Sherwood Park, Portland and Hamilton campuses.
Students will receive in-class tutoring, drop-in study support and have access to small, intensive group meetings.
The institute will also strengthen student services through Education Pathways Officers who will provide advice and support to students who need extra help.
Coalition funding cuts devastated TAFEs across the state, ripping away funding needed to provide vital student services and support for disadvantaged and vulnerable students.
Since restoring of Government support to South West, the institute has been able to boost staff numbers by 12.5 per cent thanks to the Labor Government’s investment in the 2015/16 budget.
Mr Herbert also officially opened Warrnambool’s Skills and Jobs Centre which will be the first point-of-call for employers looking to take on an apprentice, students looking to start training, workers needing to re-skill and unemployed workers needing support to re-enter 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
“Often young people lack the confidence to get into training, this extra funding will make sure there is support in place so they get the confidence they need to improve their life.”
“TAFEs across Victoria help disadvantaged students to access training and job opportunities and this funding will help improve support for them.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re making sure South West TAFE has the ability to support vulnerable members of the Warrnambool community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020