Gippsland locals will benefit from a $15 million Andrews Labor Government commitment to establish one-stop-shop Skills and Jobs Centres across Victoria.

Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert visited Federation Training’s Sale campus this morning, where he announced the organisation will receive $1 million towards its Skills and Jobs Centres.

The $15 million includes $7 million to establish Skills and Jobs Centres at Victoria’s regional TAFEs, who were hit hard by cuts made by the former Coalition Government.

The new centres will be the first point-of-call for students looking to start training, workers needing to reskill, unemployed workers needing support for retraining and work placement and for employers.

The former Coalition Government’s cuts to the training sector hit Gippsland hard, with Federation Training on the brink of collapse when the Labor Government came to power.

These Skills and Jobs Centres will help link jobseekers and employers to ensure they’re engaged in quality training that’ll lead to a job at the end of their course.

TAFEs like Federation Training will open Skills and Jobs Centres across Victoria, ensuring that each of the centres are tailored to meet the needs of their local communities and industries, with coordinated, intensive support services.

The Labor Government recognises that strong industry links are vital in boosting outcomes for Gippsland students to make sure they get a job after they finish training.

The final location of the Gippsland Skills and Jobs Centre will be decided with input from Federation Training.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert

“Our election commitment to create Skills and Jobs Centres will help all our TAFEs build on those vitally important links with industry to make sure Victorians get the skills they need to find a job.”

“This Government is committed to making sure Gippsland locals have quality access to training so they can get off the treadmill of unemployment and onto the footpath of success.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“These centres will eliminate confusion about where to get help for Gippsland locals who want to start training or reskill in a new industry.”

“The former Coalition Government neglected the needs of Gippsland locals wanting to retrain or reskill. These centres will help those locals wanting to change careers.”