By Brendan Rees
Students from the south-east are set to take advantage of key TAFE and pre-apprenticeship courses which will be made free from next year.
Students completing Certificates II and III in Horticulture, Certificate III and IV in Education Support and Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping will be able to get the training and skills they need to get a job, for free.
Premier Daniel Andrews toured Cranbourne Chisholm on Wednesday 1 August and met with students who are undertaking courses that will be free from term 1, 2019.
“We want to give all Victorians the best chance possible to get the training they need for a good job – that’s why we’re providing funding to support students to see their qualification through,” Mr Andrews said.
The $172 million investment will allow students to study almost free 30 priority TAFE courses and pre-apprenticeship courses that lead to priority jobs.
Senior Educator of Horticulture at Chisholm TAFE James Davies said third-year landscape construction apprentices were excited by the Premier’s visit and “took the opportunity to educate him about their particular industry and job roles.”
“The horticulture courses at Chisholm form a pathway to apprentice programs and employment. We encourage members of the community to undertake one of the qualifications if they are interested in pursuing a career in this industry,” he said.
“The free TAFE initiative will give the Casey community the required skills and knowledge to assist then to obtain employment in industry throughout Casey and surrounding area.”
Shadow Minister for Training Skills and Apprenticeships Steph Ryan said Government subsidised enrolments in training have fallen by 31.7 per cent since Labour was elected.
“Labor did not consult with industry, TAFE or the training sector before announcing free TAFE.
“We strongly support a strong and stable VET system which has TAFE at its heart but genuine consultation with students, industry and training providers is required to clean up Daniel Andrews’ mess,” she said.
Cranbourne’s Chisholm Institute CEO Dr. Rick Ede said the free TAFE initiative was a great opportunity for students to engage with education and training, particularly in the south-east of Melbourne.
“I encourage members of the community to take up this opportunity to improve employment options,” he said.
The State Government is also putting money back into the pockets of apprentice, with an expanded half-price registration scheme underway.
Apprentices at Chisholm Institute Cranbourne can register for half-price rego saving up to $408.20 per year on light vehicle registration.
Tradies eligible for the discount must use their vehicle as part of their work.
