The Australian Education Union has welcomed a new $65 million skills agreement between the Federal and South Australian Governments.
Federal President, Correna Haythorpe highlighted TAFE's place in the heart of the agreement, with TAFE SA set to deliver 10,500 of the new 12,500 fee free vocational education places.
"TAFE is the anchor of vocational education, providing the teaching and learning opportunities for Australians, ensuring they gain the skills and knowledge required to get a good job and be successful in the workplace.
"The AEU is pleased to see additional commitment from the Albanese Federal Government to renew TAFE infrastructure, after a decade of neglect under the former Government.
"This new agreement will mean students have increased access to vocational education and the opportunity to learn using the most up to date and modern facilities.
"For employers, it will mean they can be sure the TAFE graduates they employ are ready to get to work, first day on the job," Ms Haythorpe said.
"This announcement represents a significant turning point for our TAFE members who have battled to maintain TAFE's standing as a quality provider of public vocational education despite attacks on TAFE at a federal and state level in previous years," South Australian Branch President Andrew Gohl said.
"This funding recognises the importance of TAFE and its ongoing role in ensuring vocational education continues to provide the important skills and knowledge that allows South Australians to engage in the economy through personal development and participation."
This is the first of the skills agreements between the states and territories and the Federal Government.
"We now look forward to seeing similar investments through new skills agreements between the Federal Government and the other State and Territory Governments, for the benefit of TAFE students across the country," Ms Haythorpe said.
