Guaranteed funding to secure the future of Federation Training, Gippsland’s local TAFE provider, support for training in regional areas like Gippsland and quality training to ensure locals have the right skills for the jobs of the future, will underpin Victoria’s overhauled training and TAFE system.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria, today welcomed the Andrews Labor Government’s changes to training and TAFE in Victoria which builds on the work it has already done to fix the training system.

Ms Shing said the changes will result in a high quality, stable system that restores the confidence of students, employers and industry, and transforms training throughout Gippsland.

Skills First features a more managed training and TAFE system, with the Government having a stronger role, partnering with industry and quality training providers to provide high quality training for students.

Starting with $114 million in 2017, Victoria’s TAFEs – including Morwell TAFE – will receive additional funding recognising their role as public providers helping Victorians access real training for real jobs, providing an opportunity for disadvantaged learners.

In addition, each year, Victoria’s training providers will have access to three targeted funding streams; in 2017, $30 million for the Regional and Specialist Training fund, $20 million to support high needs learners, and a $40 million Workforce Training Innovation Fund – promoting innovative training and skills in emerging and priority industries.

The reformed system – which will be introduced progressively from January 2017 – follows last year’s response to the independent VET Funding Review led by Bruce Mackenzie.

Ms Shing stated that the Government inherited a training and TAFE system in disarray with regional Victoria neglected by the former Coalition Government.

Confidence in TAFE was at an all-time low, campuses were being closed and institutes were on the brink of financial collapse.

Over the past year, the Labor Government has invested heavily in TAFEs, including the $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund and our $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund.

This has included $11.7 Million for Federation Training for

• $3.6million from the RAFE Rescue fund
• $2.6 Million to deliver two TAFE “Back to Work” funded projects, including the Paddock to Plate blended agriculture and hospitality training and the co-location partnership with Gunaikunai Land and Waters Aboriginal Cooperation to deliver conservation and land management training to Koori students.
• $1.8 million to strengthen apprenticeships and traineeships
• $1 million to open Skills and Jobs Centres at Federation Training’s Bairnsdale, Warragul and Sale campuses, providing expert advice on training and jobs to learners and industry.

The Government has also cracked down on dodgy providers, with a quality blitz and tough new training contracts. For more details on the new system, go to www.skillsfirst.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“The establishment of Skills First, and this additional operational funding will help secure the future of training and TAFE in Gippsland.

“It will continue to drive the momentum for a strong and stable TAFE in Gippsland and will mean students in our region can be confident that they are getting real training for real jobs that industry needs.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert:

“With Skills First we’re making sure Victorian students have access to real training that will lead to a real job so they don’t waste their time and money on courses that won’t get them a job.”