The state government will today announce a multi-million-dollar technology package to be rolled out across campuses over the next three years and will mainly benefit VET (vocational education and training) students. 

TAFE bosses are delighted with the massive windfall, although they were somewhat tightlipped yesterday about the exact details of the package. 

In a statement released to the media, chief executive Peter Heilbuth said the money would go towards new-age teaching skills. 

“These funds will not only enable 21st century technology to be put in place for our students, but will also assist us to speed up and finalise the important business and internal systems transformation processes we have been undertaking over the past year,” Mr Heilbuth said. 

The $7.7 million will come from the government’s $200 million structural adjustment fund — brought out after $300 million cuts to the TAFE sector by the Coalition government. 

The latest funding will be poured into online resources. 

South West Coast MP and Premier Denis Napthine said the latest funding would see new technology rolled out allowing students to access their work anywhere.

“The government is giving South West TAFE a great opportunity to position itself as the provider of choice for students on Victoria’s south-west coast,” Dr Napthine said. 

“South West TAFE has a great opportunity to offer more students the chance to live, work and learn locally.” 

Higher Education and Skills Minister Nick Wakeling said the money would make courses more flexible. 

“It will look at a range of online delivery models to meet requirements for each of the (TAFE) institute’s programs,” Mr Wakeling said.