TAFE Training Key To Filling State Skills Gaps

VIC Premier

Victorian students, apprentices and trainees studying at TAFE are on the pathway to jobs in 80 of the top 100 largest growing occupations in Victoria, thanks to the Allan Labor Government's investments to keep TAFE at the centre of the state's world-class training system.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today launched The TAFE Value and Perception Challenge, a report that investigates how Victorians perceive TAFE as a study option.

Commissioned by the Victorian TAFE Association, the report surveyed 1,000 Victorians from Generation Z, their parents, and HR leaders in companies about their perceptions of TAFE.

The myth-busting report finds TAFE qualifications offer higher median earning potential than university degrees.

Eighty per cent of future jobs are attainable through a TAFE education - and 67 per cent of Victoria's 364 occupations experiencing a shortage can be filled with TAFE-educated workers.

As well as providing 95 per cent of the future carpenters and electricians needed to address Victoria's housing shortage, Victoria's world-class TAFE Network is educating people in the growing areas of aged and disability care, digital technology, human resources and accounting.

The Labor Government is continuing to build the excellent reputation of Victoria's TAFE Network by promoting a range of post-secondary skills and career pathways and investing almost $4.6 billion into the TAFE and training system, including over $600 million into TAFE campuses. Victoria's Free TAFE program has attracted more than 170,500 students to study at TAFE since the program began in 2019, saving them more than $460 million in fees.

The Free TAFE course list includes more than 80 qualifications and short courses in priority areas, and all Victorians can access government-funded training such as Free TAFE regardless of their existing qualification level.

To read the report, visit vta.vic.edu.au/tafe-vpcr.

As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney

"Victoria's TAFEs are an equal best choice to universities. Through our world-class TAFEs, we're giving Victorians more choices and more opportunities to play to their strengths and get great jobs in the industries of the future."

"Together with industry and TAFEs, we're working to ensure Victoria's public training system remains fully aligned to the skills our economy needs."

As stated by Executive Director of the Victorian TAFE Association Dugald Murray

"TAFE is a cornerstone of Victoria's skilled workforce. By highlighting the undeniable benefits of TAFE education, and the cutting-edge training delivered right across the TAFE Network, we can empower Victorians to secure their future and contribute to a thriving economy."

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