The Liberal Government is failing job seekers and the business sector by not acting to create stronger pathways from school and training to employment.
Recent data shows that Tasmanian employer satisfaction with VET down from 76.1% in 2015 to 68.3% in 2019, while employer satisfaction with apprenticeships/traineeships down from 82% in 2015 to 75.4% in 2019.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said rebuilding TAFE was key to creating full time Tasmanian jobs.
"Only Labor has a plan to rebuild TAFE and implement a Free TAFE Policy that will provide students with the qualifications they need to find jobs in our fastest growing industries," Ms White said.
"When it comes to jobs too many Tasmanians are struggling to get a foot in the door. We need to do everything we can to keep young people here, rather than see them leave to the mainland.
"We know almost 50,000 Tasmanians don't have jobs or can't get the hours they need.
"And ABS figures released today bring very disturbing news for job seekers, particularly in the west and north-west of the state where 1300 jobs have gone in the past year.
"If industry does not have faith in TAFE and our VET sector to deliver outcomes for them and for Tasmanian jobseekers, it is highly likely that these numbers will continue to go backwards.
"The time to act is now, and we call on the Government to adopt our policy and work with us to rebuild TAFE's reputation with business.
"Labor is committed to work with industry and the education and training sector to ensure Tasmanians have the best possible pathways to secure, well-paid jobs."
Rebecca White MP – Labor Leader
