A new survey showing a high level of concern among Tasmanians about the employment prospects of young people is further evidence that Labor's Free TAFE Policy is needed to help the state's recovery from COVID-19.
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills Michelle O'Byrne said if the State Government wants to give young Tasmanians the skills they need to get jobs, it must adopt Labor's policy and ensure courses under the new JobTrainer program are provided by TAFE.
"The third survey from EMRS into Tasmanians' response to the COVID-19 restrictions gives us a real insight into what is important to the people of our state as we come out of the pandemic," Ms O'Byrne said.
"Not surprisingly, job creation is considered the most important issue in terms of recovery, but skills and training are also an issue of major concern, particularly in relation to young people.
"The survey shows widespread support for more assistance for young people to keep their current jobs or train for new jobs, and recommends what Labor has long been arguing - that the State Government should consider additional investment in employment and training support for young Tasmanians."
Ms O'Byrne said now that the government has signed up for the JobTrainer program, it must ensure the investment goes into TAFE so that courses are meaningful and designed to meet the needs of Tasmanian businesses, and that training is nationally recognised and capable of transitioning people directly into work.
