The Australian and WA Government have signed a landmark 12-month Skills Agreement to address the current skills shortage and deliver fee free TAFE in addition to more vocational education places for WA.
The agreement will inject more than $12 million into the WA Skills and Training Sector. It is estimated to see 8500 fee-free places in the care sector, 2400 places in technology and digital, 1900 places in agriculture, 1500 places in construction, 1400 places in hospitality and tourism, and 300 places in sovereign capability including manufacturing. Additionally, around 2800 places will be opened up in other sectors, including foundational skills.
The agreement will increase opportunities and workforce participation of priority groups, including First Nations Australians, young people (17-24), people out of work or receiving income support, unpaid carers, women undertaking study in non-traditional fields, people with disability and certain categories of visa holders.
The Skills Agreement will increase opportunities and workforce participation of priority groups and address skills gaps in the economy. The agreement includes an Australian Government commitment of $8.2 million from the TAFE Technology Fund to improve training facilities in Western Australia in addition to VET data infrastructure reform.
There will be an upgrade to essential infrastructure for training in WA such as:
- Transform Midland TAFE into a renewables jobs and training hub.
- State-of-the-art kitchen at Bentley Pines Training Restaurant
- The establishment of a trade training centre at Ellenbrook Secondary College.
This new initiative includes accessing the Driller’s Offsider Employability Program for free. The Driller’s Offsider Employability Program was developed in collaboration with RITC, Industry and Government.
The program includes training in first aid, CPR, working at heights and 4WD off-road training.
This new initiative will begin on 1 January 2023. For further information head to Jobs and Skills WA.
Contact: Karleigh Barras, Workforce Development and Training Adviser – Resources Industry Training Council
Email: k.barras@cmewa.com
