Federal Govt Unveils $12m Boost To VET Workforce

The Federal Government has marked the start of National Skills Week 2024 by delivering a significant boost to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) workforce, announcing a $12 million boost for skilled teachers and trainers.

The funding will enable Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) to better respond to workforce challenges in the VET sector across industries, including aged and disability care, energy and renewables, and construction and manufacturing.

All 10 JSCs will receive funding to study workforce challenges and identify industry-led responses, in consultation with Jobs and Skills Australia and VET industry stakeholders.

Nine out of 10 jobs created require post-compulsory qualifications – and almost half of these will be through vocational education and training. This year’s National Skills Week theme, ‘VET – It’s a Game Changer’ reflects the integral role VET will play in Australia’s future.

The Government says its $12 million investment in the VET workforce will build on its “game-changing achievements in VET, including:

• Helping 500,000 Australians enrol in fee-free TAFE including more than $500 million for an additional 320,000 places over the next three years;
• Delivering up to $30 billion through the National Skills Agreement, working together with the states and territories to expand and strengthen VET and meet priority skills needs;
• Establishing a national network of training for critical and emerging industries through TAFE Centres of Excellence across the country, including in Western Australia and Queensland;
• Investing $600 million to bolster skills growth and development in the clean energy, construction and manufacturing sectors; and
• Supporting VET nursing students during work placements with more than $58 million towards a weekly cost-of-living payment through the Commonwealth Prac Payment system.

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles says VET teachers, trainers and assessors play an important role in ensuring Australia has the skills needed to thrive.

“VET is a game-changer for Australia – for young Aussies wanting to get ahead, and for unlocking future growth for businesses,” he says.