In her letter to the editor of October 6, Ms Pat Varley seeks further information on the state government’s increased funding for vocational education and training in Victoria.
A strong and sustainable vocational training system is vital for the future of Victoria. Providing a well-trained, job-ready workforce is essential for Victorian industries and businesses.
This is why the Victorian government is investing an additional $1 billion over the next four years into our vocational education and training system.
The Baillieu government is determined to invest in key areas of training that provide people with real skills and real job opportunities.
Indeed this year the Baillieu government is spending $1.2 billion on vocational education and training (VET).
This is more than any other state or territory. At the same time that the state government is putting an additional $1 billion into the VET sector, the federal Labor government is withholding $43.5 million due to Victoria under the National Partnership on Skills Reform and has slashed more than $400 million from federal skills training in the 2012-13 budget.
Ms Varley asks where this additional state funding will be spent.
I am pleased to advise that the Baillieu government will be providing increased funding for every apprenticeship training program.
Funding has also been increased for vocational education and training in vital areas such as health care, aged-care, children’s services, agriculture and disability, where there are real job opportunities and real benefits to our economy. The state government is increasing training subsidies in areas of skill shortages, while reducing subsidies in areas of over-supply or areas that don’t necessarily lead to long-term employment outcomes.
We will create a competitive and transparent training system, where consumers have clear information about training costs and quality, and industry has a strong voice in leading training.
These changes are clearly aimed at ensuring the government invests precious taxpayer funds wisely to deliver real skills in areas of need and to deliver the best outcomes for students and Victoria.
Denis Napthine, member for South West Coast.