Building a training system that puts the learner at the centre

The Rockliff Liberal Government is building a training system for our state that puts the learner at the centre.

We are focused on making sure Tasmanians can access the training they need to get a job.

Minister Felix Ellis said that the latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research statistics showed that this Government is delivering.

“This update shows that just over 7400 Tassie apprentices and trainees got their start in the 12 months to December last year. This is up from just over 4900 at the same point in 2018,” Minister Ellis said.

“Nearly 2500 more Tasmanians commenced their training, a 50 per cent increase on a 12 month basis.

“This is massive improvement and Tasmanians simply cannot believe Labor’s cherry-picking spin that we’ve seen in the past week.

“The NCVER also recently released its annual report into Government-funded VET for last year which showed that in 2022 there were 30,450 government-funded program enrolments in Tasmania. Once again, we are up.

“This was over 2000 more students in 2022 compared with the previous year, while enrolments nationally were down by 3 per cent.

“Tassie is punching well above its weight under a Rockliff Liberal Government when it comes to training.

“We want people to have a job, and we are providing those opportunities, which is why I’m excited that more Tasmanians will be helped to train or gain employment through the Training and Work Pathways Program.”

Minister Ellis said that 14 projects have been approved for funding that will deliver opportunities for more than 600 Tasmanians facing disadvantage to access training and employment.

“This round will see up to $1.95 million going to projects right around the state in a range of industries and areas.

“For example, the Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania is progressing its Steps to Training and Employment Pathways program, which will help people of culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds.

“The Tasmanian Wool Harvesting Training Advisory Group, Southcentral Workforce Network and Australian Wool Innovation will be supported to come together with a pilot program looking at improving employment pathways for the wool harvesting industry, and we’ll also be working with National Disability Services, Work and Training, and the Brighton Council.

“These are just some of the organisations we’ll be supporting to drive better outcomes and deliver more opportunities for Tasmanians.

“And finally, last week I launched the Industry Partnerships Program, where we are offering grants for nationally recognised training-related equipment and resources.

“So we are offering grants of up to $50,000 for small grants, and $250,000 for large grants, to ensure training facilities, resources and technology are up to date to deliver the training we need for the next generation of Tassie workers.”

Minister Ellis said that the Rockliff Liberal Government is focused on building a strong economy by creating jobs and by supporting thousands of Tasmanians every year to do their training and take their opportunities.