Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills, Michelle O'Byrne, said the conference noted the Liberals had no credibility when it came to addressing unemployment in Tasmania.
"Tasmania's unemployment rate is the worst in the nation and 5000 fewer people have full time jobs than at the last election," Ms O'Byrne said.
"Youth unemployment is 14.3% and it is harder for young people to find a job in Tasmania than in any other state.
"At the same time, building, construction and hospitality businesses simply cannot find the qualified staff they need and are flying in tradespeople and chefs from the mainland to fill the gap.
"With Australia's oldest population and highest rate of disability, aged care and disability services face similar problems.
"Labor recognises that skills training is critically important to ensure Tasmanians can get secure, well paid jobs and that is why we will provide free TAFE courses across key industry sectors where there are skills shortages.
"This means jobs for Tasmanians and a boost for our businesses.
"It means more apprenticeships and more traineeships and making it easier for businesses to hire qualified staff and cheaper for tradespeople who take on apprentices.
"It also means elderly Tasmanians will get the level of care they need.
"Under the Liberals, TAFE is broken and we have lost 2000 apprenticeships. Labor will stand up for Tasmanian jobs and it is only Labor who stands up for TAFE."
Michelle O'Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills
