SOUTH West TAFE staff and management were celebrating last night after the state government announced $4 million in rescue funding to enable the embattled institute to add new staff and courses.
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After two years of savage efficiency cuts by the former government which triggered successive deficits, course reductions and the axing of almost 100 staff, the region’s largest technical and further education provider looks set to grow again.
“This funding is a fantastic boost which puts us on track to return to the black for 2015,” South West TAFE acting chief executive Jenny Madden told The Standard.
“Our focus is on growth and ensuring it is right for our region to meet the needs of students and industry.
“Rather than jumping in to spend the money we’ll consult widely with staff, industry and other stakeholders to deliver what best suits the region.”
Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert said seven TAFEs at financial risk would receive a share of the government’s $20m fast-tracked from a special $320m rescue fund.
“South West’s $4m in emergency funding will help it continue to support ongoing provision of high-quality training across the region,” Mr Herbert said.
Labor member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the funding would end the cycle of job losses, campus closures and course cuts that decimated institutes like South West TAFE.
“Our TAFEs play a crucial role in supporting regional communities like Warrnambool in delivering skills training that will grow jobs in key local industries,” Ms Tierney said.
Total staff numbers at South West TAFE fell from 572 to 470 between 2012 and 2013, with further reductions likely without a funding boost.
The operating result went from a $2.78 million surplus in 2012 to a $712,000 deficit in 2013 when government expenditure was cut by $2.98m.
Another large deficit was posted last year, but the total will not be disclosed until the annual report is released later this month.
Ms Madden said it was in line with budget targets.
She said decisions on new courses and extra staff to deliver them would be made in the next few months. “If we are growing we’d need the right experts in their fields,” she said.
Ms Madden expected new courses to be in high-priority areas including health and community services, food and education sectors.
The institute has its headquarters in Warrnambool and runs campuses in Hamilton and Portland, plus course delivery to other parts of the state via electronic links.
It has more than 200 courses on offer.
Other rescue funding recipients included SuniTAFE Swan Hill $4m, William Angliss Institute $2m and GoTAFE Shepparton $1.3m.