More than a dozen training organisations across the state will share $2.5 million in grants as part of the Malinauskas Labor Government's commitment to tackle skills shortages and boost the training sector.
Grants have been awarded to not-for-profits, industry training organisations and TAFE SA for much-needed teaching and training tools, the latest technology and hands-on equipment in sectors including health, construction, disability and agriculture.
It's part of a $9 million investment in equipment and capital grants for TAFE SA, not-for-profit and industry-based provided announced in the 2023-24 Budget to ensure South Australians get access to the best training that leads to a rewarding career.
A range of industry sectors have been supported through these grants including:
*Agriculture and conservation
*Automotive service and repair
* Community services
*Construction and plumbing
*Creative industries
*Health
The State Government is also delivering on its $7 million commitment to enable high-quality training in SA for 39 not-for-profit and industry-based training providers. The increase in funding recognises the important and unique role not-for-profit and industry-based providers play through close connections to the community and employers.
It comes as latest data shows South Australia is leading the nation with the number of students enrolled in vocational, education and training (VET).
The state has recorded increases in training activity for students, program enrolments, hours of delivery, and subject enrolments, in the first six months of 2023 when compared to the same period a year earlier.
For South Australian government-funded training programs in the first six months of 2023 – student numbers increased by 9.5 per cent, from 49,940 to 54,665. This was 5.5 percentage points above the national increase of 4 per cent and the highest percentage increase of the states and territories.
A further $500,000 is being made available for the development of new and responsive training products that help tackle shortages and for trainer scholarships.
This investment follows the ratification of the landmark National Skills Agreement, under which the Malinauskas Labor Government will invest more than $1.4 billion in skills in addition to $850 million from the Commonwealth over the next five years.
The Equipment and Capital initiative builds on the work already undertaken by the Malinauskas Labor Government in making significant investments in the skills sector:
* $28 million to provide not-for-profit and industry training providers with additional funding to address skills shortages.
*Over $12 million to return aged care, disability and early childhood courses to TAFE SA's metropolitan campuses.
*$9 million in equipment and capital grants for TAFE SA, not-for-profit and industry providers.
*$5 million to upgrade TAFE SA's Mount Gambier campus.
*Funding of $2.6 million to establish five regional skills centres in Cleve, Berri, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier.
* $8.8 million to address skills shortages in areas including cookery, bricklaying and concreting.
* The signing of the $2.3 billion National Skills Agreement (NSA) is the largest increase in funding for skills in South Australia's history.
As put by Blair Boyer
The Malinauskas Labor Government has taken action to invest in the future of this state, which has seen a significant increase in training enrolments – a strong skills sector is imperative to ensuring a strong economy and to meet our ambitious agenda in projects such as the hydrogen plant, AUKUS and three-year-old preschool.
This funding means new and improved experiences for learners, greater outreach for quality training and demonstrates another clear step towards ensuring we have a well-trained workforce to meet our skills needs today and into the future.
I'm pleased to see the range of industries and sectors supported including renewable energy, early childhood education, health and aged care, defence and primary industries – just some of the areas where career opportunities await and where we need skilled South Australians.
Equipment and Capital Grants assessment outcomes:
Adelaide Training and Employment Centre Inc
Building a Carpentry Centre of Excellence at ATEC's Lonsdale campus to provide students access to the latest technology and training equipment and reduce the strain on current facilities and address delays in training availability.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA Branch)
Refurbishment of the existing classroom to create a simulation laboratory to enable students to learn in a simulated work environment.
Centacare
Fit out of digital learning hubs (Adelaide CBD and Mt Gambier) to provide access for disadvantaged students which continues to be a prominent barrier to completion and enable collaborative training across both hubs.
Community Media Training Organisation Ltd
Purchase of audio recording kits and laptops for students to access through their workplaces or host employers (community radio stations) to enable them to complete mandatory course activities.
Construction Industry Training Centre Inc
Purchase of a mini excavator, skid steer loader, dual-purpose training container and portable building for use in Upper Spencer Gulf, Mid North, Yorke and Eyre Peninsula regions.
Limestone Coast Work Options Incorporated
Purchase of equipment for aged and disability care and early childhood training to address barriers of delivery due to the inability to access this equipment in the Limestone Coast region.
Morella Community Centre Incorporated
Purchase of IT equipment to provide access for disadvantaged students and increase the flexibility, accessibility, and mobility of their ACE programs.
Purchase of commercial dishwasher and fridge to assist with the increase in hospitality-based ACE programs.
North East Development Agency Inc
Purchase and fit out of scaffolding training trailers to increase delivery of training in the Limestone Coast and Eyre and Western region.
Purchase of tools, equipment and machinery to deliver trade skills in Certificate III in Carpentry and Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining qualifications.
PEER Education Employment & Training Ltd
Upgrade and extend PEER's existing plumbing workshop to meet increased demand and additional requirements of the updated plumbing training package.
Pooraka Farm Community Centre Incorporated
Purchase of acoustic treatment and IT equipment for a training room which is preventing Pooraka Farm from running ACE programs due to noise and capacity issues.
Relationships Australia South Australia Limited
Purchase of a vehicle, video conference equipment and learning tools to facilitate increased delivery of care sector qualifications in remote and regional areas.
SCAA Shearer Woolhandler Training Inc
Purchase of shearing equipment for use across the Limestone Coast to increase access for students and provide practical experience using the latest equipment.
TAFE SA
Purchase of laptop banks for TAFE's Elizabeth, Mount Barker, and Mount Gambier campuses to address barriers for disadvantaged students.
Tauondi Aboriginal Corporation
Refurbishment and construction of an undercover outdoor training area and development of tailored training resources.
The MTA Group Training Scheme Inc
Upgrade of training facility to increase capacity and provide students access to latest light vehicle equipment used in workshops.
Zahra Foundation Australia
Purchase ICT and audio-visual equipment to increase capacity to deliver digital literacy skills to ACE participants.
