The Andrews Labor Government is giving more Victorians training for the jobs they want while giving more employers the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses.
As part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23, a $103.1 million package will boost real-life work experience opportunities for students, strengthen training opportunities to preserve Victoria’s Aboriginal heritage, and continue the Labor Government’s work to provide training options for more Victorians.
This Budget builds on the Government’s huge investments in skills and training with initiatives like the signature Free TAFE program, which has already helped more than 100,000 Victorians into training and meaningful careers in high-demand industries – saving students more than $240 million.
It includes $83.1 million to better support TAFEs and enhance collaboration across the network, helping TAFEs transition to the new funding model that will underpin the delivery of critical training and support enrolment growth.
The new funding model boosts TAFE funding by 25 per cent, and this Budget takes the Government’s investment to more than $530 million over two years.
This funding will also increase the number of practical placement officers at Victorian TAFEs, who will work closely with students to ensure that by the time they graduate, they have the industry-relevant skills they need to hit the ground running in their new careers.
The Apprenticeship Support Officers program will reach more apprentices with a $12 million boost – giving apprentices the help they need to navigate the journey from classroom to workplace and giving employers the confidence that graduating apprentices will be job-ready.
As part of the Labor Government’s Marrung Education Plan to support Koorie students and embed Victoria’s Indigenous culture in the education system, $2.8 million will establish a new Certificate IV-level course to build a new team of specialist teachers to revive language on country and in classrooms and kindergartens.
This support builds on the Government’s previous investment in existing Certificate II and III qualification levels to preserve endangered Aboriginal languages.
In 2012 the former Liberal Government cut all sign language interpreting courses from TAFE. Now, funding of $4.8 million will go towards adding Diploma and Advanced Diploma-level courses in Auslan to Free TAFE.
This funding will make it easier for students to get the qualifications they need to support Victoria’s deaf community, and also provide a review of TAFE campus accessibility so Victorians of all abilities can access the same opportunities.
These improvements will support the Government’s response to the inaugural Victorian Skills Plan, to be delivered by the Victorian Skills Authority later this year, setting out how we can continue delivering for Victoria’s future skills needs in a rapidly changing economy.
After inheriting a TAFE and training system that had been gutted by the former Liberal National Government, the Labor Government has invested $3.2 billion since 2015 to rebuild the TAFE and training system – making sure every Victorian has access to the education they need for the jobs and careers they want.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Good jobs start with quality training. We’ve spent seven years rebuilding a TAFE system gutted by the Liberals – but we’ve got more work to do, and we’ll keep investing to give every Victorian the education they deserve.”
“This investment will connect the dots across our skills and training system – linking jobseekers, educators and businesses to make sure workers have the skills they need to hit the ground running in their new jobs and careers.”
“TAFEs across Victoria are ready to help you get the skills you need for the job you want. Whether it’s your first gig or you’re making a career change, there’s never been a better time to head to TAFE.”
Reviewed 03 May 2022