Wednesday, 29^th August 2018

Workers looking to gain new skills in the Latrobe Valley will soon have the opportunity to re-train in biodiversity thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited Australian Paper in Morwell to announce $3.8 million for a new project to train a local skilled-up bio-manufacturing workforce.

The BioPathways Partnerships Project is an industry-led pathway that will deliver training for workers in critical thinking and problem-solving, growing the workforce required to drive a successful regional bio-economy.

The project sets the foundations for long-term educational development and targets reskilling opportunities for workers transitioning from the Hazelwood Plant in the Latrobe Valley.

Participants will have access to workplace learning, accredited courses, professional development and industry-based applied research programs.

BioPathways Partnerships Project will be led by Australian Paper in partnership with Federation Training and Federation University.

The Labor Government is supporting Victorian TAFEs and training providers to work in partnership with industry to develop innovative new training programs, products and projects that use the very latest technologies.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 is investing an additional $644 million to strengthen TAFE, address skills shortages and ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a good job.

To make it easier to access training, the Government is investing $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses that lead to jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers tuition free.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“We’re proud to be investing in a project that will deliver new skills for people in the region and provide industry with the workforce its needs to thrive.”

“Unlike the Liberals who slashed funding from TAFE, we’re making the record investments needed so people in Gippsland can get the training they need to get a job.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This funding boost is another important part of our ongoing support for industry-based programs that will help to transition skilled workers across the Latrobe Valley region into new employment in biomanufacturing.”