The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support the growth and modernisation of TAFEs across Australia, announcing today a $2.2 million investment in South Australia under the TAFE Technology Fund.
The money will be used to lease four light commercial vehicles and purpose-built trailers to train regional students in cyber security, dentistry, hospitality, and automotive skills.
The self-contained vehicles will be equipped with the technology, learning resources, power, water and waste facilities to deliver training in regional locations, and will be based at TAFE South Australia's Gilles Plains, Regency and Adelaide campuses.
The purpose-built units will travel to TAFE campuses, schools and worksites across the state to deliver local training in regional and remote communities, improving access to vital education and training and making it easier for students to transition from school and vocational training into the workforce.
The project is part of the $50 million TAFE Technology Fund, which is upgrading and expanding TAFE facilities, including laboratories, workshops, new equipment, and simulated learning environments.
This investment builds on opportunities created through the Albanese Government's Fee-Free TAFE initiative.
Last year, Fee-Free TAFE removed financial barriers to enrolment for over 355,000 Australians.
More than 13,700 South Australians enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE in 2023, including more than 2,700 in regional areas.
The Albanese Government is funding an additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places nationwide over the next three years.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O'Connor MP:
"These purpose-built vehicles are critical to providing greater opportunity to people living in regional and remote South Australia to access skills in areas of demand.
"A core goal of the Albanese Labor Government is to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, or how much money they have, can acquire skills to access secure, well-paid jobs."
Quotes attributable to the SA Minister for Education Training and Skills, Blair Boyer MP:
"In order to address skills shortages across the country, it's critical that training opportunities are given to those that live in regional and remote areas.
"I've seen first-hand how these vehicles support students in the regions and I'm really excited that we're continuing to invest in innovative ideas to support those entering or returning to the workforce."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP:
"I welcome Minister O'Connor's announcement today. This will be a great benefit to training, skills, and education for our State.
This investment will create a greater opportunity for people to train and access those critical skills required for our industries."
