The Andrews Labor Government today unveiled its $34 million Regional Skills Fund to support targeted, place-based skills and workforce development across regional Victoria.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford and Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert launched the fund in Morwell with key industry, TAFE and university leaders.
It helps industry partner with higher education and training providers to deliver projects that drive industry growth, support workforce development, create career pathways and facilitate greater education in regional Victoria.
The Labor Government is encouraging regional businesses and industry to work in partnership with the higher education and training sector to develop grant applications, which may be submitted at any time.
Local Learning and Employment Neworks, local government and not-for-profit organisations can also partner in projects.
The program ensures Victoria’s regions retain and attract the skilled workers they need to grow local economies, support jobs, and remain competitive. It has been designed to respond to the changing workforce challenges and skills demands of regional and rural Victoria.
The Government’s new Regional Partnerships will work with local businesses, TAFEs, universities and community organisations to ensure skills and workforce development project proposals align with the needs of local industry.
The partnerships work to support collaboration between regional businesses and the higher education and training sector to create a legacy of a sustainable, industry-led training to address the future skills and workforce needs of rural and regional Victoria.
The Regional Skills Fund is a joint initiative between Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Education and Training, administered through the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastruture Fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Skills and training are vital for our local communities and economies. A strong and skilled regional workforce is what’s needed to support jobs, boost business innovation and develop more resilient regional communities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“We’re giving all Victorians access to real training that leads to real jobs. The Regional Skills Fund will ensure our training system is driven by industry, students and employers.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Getting the right alignment between skills, training, and industry is crucial. Federation Training and our Regional Partnerships will play key roles in driving jobs growth for the Valley and for Gippsland.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020