Thursday, 26 April, 2018

People in Gippsland will be able to access more TAFE training thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced $1.96 million for Federation Training to deliver new training in horticulture, conservation management, health and construction.

Developed in collaboration with industry, employers and other key stakeholders across the horticulture, environmental, health and infrastructure sectors, the training will be delivered across Federation Training’s local campuses.

Three of the newly funded courses will help meet increased demand for health workers for the newly expanded Latrobe Regional Hospital, while another course will train workers to meet the region’s skills needs for a range of infrastructure projects.

The funding will deliver the skills needed to accelerate the region’s Paddock to Plate Program to promote food tourism and the specialist skills required to work in Gippsland’s renowned wilderness areas and natural parks.

This will also support Federation Training to deliver Certificate III in Production Horticulture and Certificate III in Horticulture, as well as Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, which includes indigenous environmental management strategies and is already being delivered to 19 Koori trainees.

The Gippsland-based TAFE will also offer additional places in Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, and the Diploma of Building & Construction, as well as in Certificate III in Visual Arts (Photography).

The eight projects are being funded under the Regional and Specialist Training Fund, part of the Labor Government’s Skills First initiative, which is delivering training to respond to industry-led demand for specific skills in regions and specialist areas.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“We’re supporting Federation Training to make sure students in Gippsland have access to training that meets the needs of local businesses and industry.”

“After years of devastating cuts by the previous Liberal Government we’re making the investments needed to rebuild our TAFE system.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We want everyone across Gippsland to have access to the training they need to get a job – this funding means there are more places at TAFE for people in our community.”