A funding boost for every TAFE in Victoria will give vulnerable students the support they need to make the most of the biggest changes to training and skills in Victoria’s history.
The Andrews Labor Government today announced $50 million to help TAFEs support their most vulnerable students to get the training they need to get a good secure job.
The Community Service Funding supports Victorian TAFEs to give students literacy and numeracy support, extra help with study, additional learning space and specific support for Koorie Learners and Staff, people with a disability and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
It will provide for social welfare support, including counselling and referral, and services to help students get job ready with help writing resumes, preparing cover letters and getting ready for interviews.
The funding also supports Skills and Jobs Centres, established by the Labor Government for Victorians looking to study at TAFE to advice on training and employment.
The Labor Government brought back the funding after the previous Liberal Government cut this essential support for vulnerable students when they slashed funding to TAFE and closed campuses across Victoria.
This Community Service Funding means students have the resources they need to take full advantage of the boost to Victorian TAFEs announced in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.
The Labor Government’s record investment in major road and rail projects, new schools and hospitals, support for Victorians living with a disability and historic action to curb family violence has created massive demand for skilled workers in these industries.
We know that the cost of training can act as a barrier to getting the right skills so this Budget breaks down that barrier. The Budget is delivering $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses free, with no tuition and more Victorians will be able to access training, with $303.8 million to create more than 30,000 new training places.
The Budget is also modernising apprenticeships, with $43.8 million to revamp learning materials, ensure consistent industry standards with new independent assessments, and bring back trade papers to recognise these qualifications.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We want to give all Victorians the best chance possible to get the training they need for a good job - that’s why we’re providing funding to support students to see their qualification through.”
“Whether it’s removing dangerous level crossings, building roads and rail or caring for our community, we’re making sure Victorians are first in line for the jobs we’re creating.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This funding is crucial to supporting students to complete their course and get the advice they need to find a job.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“The contrast is stark - the Liberals closed Greensborough TAFE and we reopened it. We’re rebuilding TAFEs right across the state and making sure students have the support they need to thrive.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020