The Allan Labor Government is improving hardworking TAFE teachers pay and conditions, so we continue to attract and retain the very best teachers in the country.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) today endorsed a new in-principle agreement that will see TAFE teachers get wage increases, a modern classification system and more time for assessment and professional development.
Four in five future jobs will come through our TAFE system, and in 2025 there are about 90,000 new students embarking on their training through TAFE.
The in-principle agreement between the AEU and Victorian TAFE Association backs the existing workforce and encourages a new generation of TAFE teachers by delivering:
An upfront pay rise and then additional 1.5 per cent increases every six months over the life of the agreement and changes to the classification structure that provides additional benefits to increase attraction and retention
Ensuring the time allocated for teachers to do in-class assessments is counted towards teaching, which is critical for competency-based training
An increase in the number of hours available for correction, assessment, preparation, planning and engagement, so students get more support and higher quality training
Improved parental leave and cultural leave, and the introduction of grandparent leave and foster parent leave.
The deal is more encouragement for those considering a career in TAFE teaching and follows the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment being added to the Free TAFE list - removing tuition fees for people wanting to pursue this career path.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 provided funding for a modern HR system for staff across the entire TAFE Network. That system is now helping with recruitment as well as supporting the professional development of TAFE teachers and staff.
The Labor Government's $4.6 billion investment in TAFE supports Victorians to get the skills they need for free, working closely with TAFEs across the state to make sure course offerings match the in-demand skills, creating a pipeline of workers for the jobs of the future in housing, renewable technology and the care economy.
The in-principle agreement is now subject to a vote by TAFE teachers and then approval by a Fair Work Commission process. Find out more information about a career in VET training visit: www.vic.gov.au/tafe-teacher
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"We're proud to give our TAFE teachers better pay and conditions - it's absolutely what they deserve."
"Our TAFE teachers are world-class and they're training our state's future workforce to build the homes we need, support our clean energy transition, and provide care for those who need it."
