The Andrews Labor Government’s TAFE Rescue Fund is already helping struggling TAFE institutes, with the first of the fast-tracked fund projects launched today.
Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, today officially opened The Bubble, a new student advice centre at Federation Training in Gippsland.
The new centre was funded with a $2.5 million grant that was part of $20 million fast-tracked from the Labor Government’s TAFE Rescue Fund earlier this year.
The Bubble will provide services at all Federation Training campus libraries, including study support, career and course advice, referral to other services and learning resources such as computers.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget reinforced the Labor Government’s commitment to restoring the TAFE sector with $350 million in funding to strengthen TAFE, supporting Gippsland residents to develop the skills they need to get the job they want.
The Budget delivered the remaining $300 million of the TAFE Rescue Fund to invest in new facilities and support public TAFE institutes to deliver improved services to their community, and $50 million for the TAFE Back to Work Fund which will support TAFEs, such as Federation Training, to partner with local industry to deliver training and skills that leads to jobs and increased productivity in the region.
The independent VET Funding Review is also advising the Labor Government on a new funding model for the TAFE and training system, which will support a more stable and sustainable future for Federation Training for the long-term.
Federation Training is also well placed to respond to the Labor Government's commitment to new energy technologies as part of the six key growth industries through its training delivery in sustainable energy at its Chadstone campus.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert
“TAFEs mean skills and skills mean jobs, which is why it is essential to the future of Gippsland that Federation Training can re-establish itself as strong provider of training that gives locals the opportunity to develop the skills they need to get a job.”
“This new support service, funded by the fast-tracked $20 million from the Andrews Labor Government’s TAFE Rescue Fund, will enable Federation Training to help students stay on track with their training and reduces the need for further staff lay-offs.”
“This is a win-win for Federation Training students and staff, and demonstrates what can be achieved when Government and TAFE institutes work together and focus on improving outcomes for students.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing
“The Andrews Labor Government is rebuilding our TAFE system and rescuing campuses like Federation Training, so young people across Gippsland can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.”
“In regional areas such as Gippsland, our public TAFE institutes play a crucial role, as community hubs and allies of local industry, creating opportunities for residents to develop the skills needed to find local employment and sustain their community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020