Quality TAFE training provides critical skills for industry and economy

Peter de Graaff, NSW Teachers Federation Assistant General Secretary (Post Schools Education) said today:

“The Gillard Government must ensure that the $558 million National Workforce Development Fund which was launched today produces quality training through TAFE in those sectors of the economy which are experiencing genuine critical skills shortages. It cannot be regarded as just a business subsidy.”

This is particularly so because earlier this year data released in response to questions in a Senate Estimates Committee revealed that the only key skill shortage area to attract significant training under the government’s Productivity Places Program was aged care. Nine of the top ten courses under the Productivity Places Program were not in the priority sectors announced in the National Workforce Development Fund. Through the Productivity Places Program, 233,000 jobseekers are reported as having commenced a course, 87,000 completed a program and only 29,000 ending in employment.

Very little of the Productivity Places Program funding was directed to TAFE. The government must ensure that businesses receiving National Workforce Development funds invest in the quality training which TAFE provides.

The most critical emerging skills needs in our economy are in construction, aged care, renewable energy, infrastructure and resources. Data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research yesterday reveals a decline in the number of commencements for new apprenticeships and traineeships over the last three quarters. TAFE is well placed to provide the training for apprentices and trainees for those sectors of industry with critical skills needs.

For further information contact:
NSW Teachers Federation: (02) 9217 2100