FedUni TAFE benefits from State boost

THE State government will inject significant further funds into free TAFE across Victoria.

Announcing the input of $11.7 million on Tuesday morning, the money will assist institutions to keep up with free course demand, and make quality training more accessible.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle said FedUni TAFE is specifically receiving a boost.

“Half a million dollars will boost staffing levels by making teaching scholarships available for professionals with industry experience in priority areas, so they can come in and get working,” she said.

Andrew Smith, FedUni Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic said the extra cash will benefit the 800 new free TAFE students studying in Ballarat and beyond.

“It’s a major boost, not just for the university, but the region. This is about producing the skills that employers and industry need to grow the economy. Everyone’s a winner.

“Many students find going back into further education can be a financial problem, so free TAFE lifts that barrier completely. The students pay nothing, and once the students have done the courses, they will get jobs,” he said.

More broadly in Victoria, $200,000 will get TAFEs collaborating with not-for-profit early childhood services, trialling work placements for the Certificate 3 and Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Five million dollars will be allocated to manage course demands and $6 million will extend support services for disadvantaged students.

“It will help them with literacy, employability and study skills. For people that have struggled to get into the workforce, we’re coming together as a community and making that a possibility,” Ms Settle said.