A new Industry Training Hub will open in Burnie today, giving senior high school students in Tasmania's north-west access to opportunities to build their skills and choose occupations that are in demand in their region.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the Industry Training Hub is part of an investment of $50.6 million by the Morrison Government to help tackle high youth unemployment by developing a generation of workers skilled and ready to take up jobs which are in demand in the region.
"Young people can face longer periods of unemployment than other age groups, and in regional areas they are particularly at risk of falling into the trap of long-term welfare dependency," Minister Cash said.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, Steve Irons MP said the Burnie Training Hub is the first of ten Industry Training Hubs being trialled in regions across Australia to combat high youth unemployment.
"The hubs are a crucial aspect of the Government's broader $585 million Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package, which is strengthening the vocational education and training sector to build a strong workforce that meets industry needs.
"New technologies, changing consumer preferences, and industry demands for new skills are shaking up industries across Australia.
Federal Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce MP said "I'm delighted to announce that Mr Damian Peirce has been engaged as the Career Facilitator to provide Industry Training Hub services in Burnie and the surrounding area."
"Damian will create better links between local industry, employers and schools and help young people finishing their secondary education to find pathways towards job opportunities in our local industries currently experiencing skills shortages," Mr Pearce said.
"The Morrison Government's Training Hub will ensure we are fostering the development of more skilled workers in our local area so that industry in North West Tasmania thrives."
