The next Victorian government should significantly boost investment in public vocational training to address critical skills demands in housing, healthcare, aged care, childcare, and renewable energy.
With a month to go before Victoria votes, CEO of the Victorian TAFE Association, Alex White, said that the next state government must treat public TAFEs as a vital part of the solution to massive skilled workforce demands.
"The latest job data shows that we need an additional 360,000 health and social support workers, including aged care and childcare workers, more than 160,000 construction workers and approximately 90,000 hospitality workers over the next decade," he said.
"Our TAFEs and dual-sector universities train the vast majority of skilled workers. Investing in the TAFE network is the most effective way to make sure Victoria has the skilled workforce it needs to keep our economy moving.
"The VTA has recommended that the next government supercharge investment in TAFE by investing $2.5 billion into TAFE infrastructure over the next decade and increasing funded TAFE places by 10,000 per year for the next decade.
"This investment is essential if TAFEs are to keep up with massive, growing demand, as well as increasing shocks coming from AI."
Mr White said TAFE had been underestimated as an economic growth vehicle by economists. New data highlights the benefits of public vocational training for industries, the economy and learners, especially in boosting employability.
A recent report by Nous Group confirmed that 91 per cent of TAFE learners achieved their employment goals, such as securing a new job or promotion, while 94 per cent of apprentices and trainees find employment after training. More than 80 per cent of the state's fastest-growing occupations can be reached via a TAFE course.
"Expanding TAFE investment will help more school leavers, career changers and people returning to work gain the skills to enter the industry sooner," he said.
"When we invest in TAFE, the benefits are felt by employers who gain access to skilled workers, by industries facing workforce shortages, and by communities that depend on essential services delivered by highly trained professionals."
About us:
The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) is the peak body for the Victorian TAFE sector, comprising Victoria's 12 TAFE Institutes, four dual sector universities and AMES Australia. We proudly champion public vocational education and training (VET) with a focus on sustainability, quality, and outcomes for learners, industry, and community.
