The Australian Government's funding announcement which is designed boost the number of skilled workers in the construction and housing sectors. has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.
This announcement includes an $88.8 million commitment for fee-free places in the building and construction sector. This will incorporate $62.4 million, working with states and territories, to deliver an additional 15,000 skills training places to support the construction sector over two years from 1 January 2025; as well as $26.4 million, working with states and territories, to deliver approximately 5,000 places in pre-apprenticeship programs over two years from 1 January 2025.
"ITECA welcomes the announcement with the understanding that the state and territory governments can use this additional investment to support a student wanting to study with either a quality independent training provider or a public TAFE college," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
ITECA works closely with key industry associations in the building and construction sector, all which report skills shortages that are leading to delays in project delivery. It is in this context that ITECA welcomes the initiative.
"Over the medium term, this additional funding will put more qualified tradespeople on construction sites around the country. ITECA members are looking forward to delivering, alongside public TAFE colleges, the quality skills training that will make this possible," Mr Williams said.
With a view to securing policy reforms that put students at the heart of the skills training system, ITECA has set about the task of working with state and territory governments to ensure that the funding to support students studying with either an independent quality Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or a public TAFE college.
"ITECA welcomes the Australian Government's approach that reflects the complementarity of both independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows the significant role of independent RTOs in delivering high-quality training across the country; with independent RTOs supporting more than 90,600 student enrolments in the construction, plumbing & services integrated framework training package, which is around half of the total.
