The Andrews Labor Government is supporting training and skills in Melbourne’s West with a $1.9 million funding boost for Victoria University.
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert has announced the University would receive $1.4 million from the $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund for its new YouthSpark IT Program.
The program will support disadvantaged unemployed young people in Melbourne’s west to get them into work and support the skills needed by industries in the area.
VU will also receive $500,000 from the $15 million Skills and Jobs Centre Fund to establish its Skills and Jobs Centre.
The hub will be the first point-of-call for students looking to start training, workers needing to reskill, unemployed workers needing support for retraining and work placement and for employers.
These centres will help link jobseekers and employers to ensure they’re engaged in quality training that’ll lead to a job at the end of their course.
The Labor Government recognises that strong industry links are vital in boosting outcomes for students to make sure they get a job after they finish training.
VU plan to set up its centre in the heart of Footscray at MetroWest in the New Year.
Mr Herbert also expressed his support for the launch of VU’s new TAFE Division – Victoria Polytechnic.
The new TAFE division will fill a gap in vocational training in Melbourne’s West and signals VU’s intention to revitalise TAFE and training in the area and to reinforce its reputation as a high-quality provider.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“The new YouthSpark IT program will help Victoria University support disadvantaged unemployed people in Melbourne’s West to get the skills they need to get the job they want.”
“This Andrews Labor Government funding will help ensure everyone has access to quality training so they can get off the treadmill of unemployment and onto the footpath of success.”
“Victoria University’s new TAFE division will help fill the need for quality training in Melbourne’s West.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021