New funds to improve VET for Tasmanian learners and industry

Tasmanian learners, business and industry are set to benefit from a new program to deliver critical equipment and resources the Tasmanian vocational education and training system.

The Rockliff Liberal Government today launched a new $2 million Industry Partnerships Program that will provide grants to eligible training providers, businesses and industry to secure nationally recognised training-related equipment and resources.

Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth, Felix Ellis, said it was an important step in filling critical gaps in the state’s training system.

“This new grant program is a direct response to industry feedback that they want more support to access the latest equipment,” Mr Ellis said.

“If training facilities, resources and technology aren’t up-to-date, it becomes a barrier to delivering the training we need for the next generation of Tassie workers, so we can build a strong economy.

“We are focused on helping local RTOs, because we want trainers and training providers to have more access to new technologies that industries use.

“This exciting grant program encourages strong partnerships, collaboration and innovation between registered training organisations (RTOs) and Tasmanian industry groups or employers.

“We are absolutely committed to supporting high quality training experiences for Tasmanian learners by putting them at the centre, and making sure our training system is more responsive to business and industry needs,” Minister Ellis said.

Under the Industry Partnerships Program, grants are available for nationally recognised training-related equipment and resources of up to $50,000 for small grants and $250,000 for large grants, which require a co-contribution from the partner organisations.

Applications are now open and the program will close on 1 May 2024, or when funds are fully allocated.

More information, including on how to apply and program guidelines, is available at www.skills.tas.gov.au/funding/industry_partnerships_program