The Liberal Government’s number one priority is jobs. Since the election, 7,200 jobs have been created and the State's unemployment rate matches the nation's average, but there is still much more to do.
Each year we invest over $100 million in vocational education and training through Skills Tasmania.
Today I am pleased to announce we are investing almost $19 million in three innovative programs aimed at equipping Tasmanians with real skills to get real jobs.
These three programs represent a new approach to vocational education and training, which ensures a better more flexible response to demand. It includes:
The User Choice Program provides subsidies to endorsed Registered Training Organisations of an employer’s choice to cover the cost of providing training for apprentices and trainees. Importantly, for the first time, the program will be administered as a grants program, rather than a tender process, which means the funding will be available year round. This not only cuts red tape, but critically, it enables a more responsive and flexible approach to meet workforce development and training needs year round.
The overarching goal of the Workforce Development Grants Program is to foster an industry-led strategic approach to future employment needs. This funding will enable industries to identify areas of industry growth and employment opportunities which will inform demand for education and training and skill development.
The Training and Work Pathway Program replaces the Skills Equip and Equity Programs. It provides education and training opportunities for Tasmanians experiencing disadvantage and barriers to participating in education, training and employment. This includes those escaping family violence, those for whom English is a second language, and the cross-generational unemployed. It involves a two-step approach to participating in training and gaining employment: the Work Ready Training Program, which provides entry level skills, and the Get Set for Work Program, which is project based and employment linked.
Importantly, the Training and Work Pathway Program also
incorporates a program for youth at risk, replacing the service previously
provided by TOOL. In line with our election commitment, we are investing
more than $200,000 in youth training, after TOOL went into voluntary administration
earlier this year. The Pathways for Youth at Risk will assist Tasmanians aged
15 to 21 who are transitioning out of the criminal justice system or out of
home care, who face significant barriers to learning and employment.
Applications for the programs opened this weekend, and the funding will flow to
successful applicants from the start of 2016.