The Albanese Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment to upgrade automotive equipment at TasTAFE with the completion of a $1 million TAFE Technology Fund project.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew joined Senator Anne Urquhart today to open the new automotive spray-painting booth today at the TasTAFE Devonport campus.
The updated spray-painting facilities will enable automotive students to train in a modern environment that meets the requirements of the industry.
TAFE students in North West Tasmania undertaking a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation will have access to the new facilities in the new year. In 2025, the Certificate will be offered under the Albanese Labor Government's Free TAFE program.
This Commonwealth infrastructure investment is complemented by the opportunities created through Free TAFE. More than 508,000 Australians have enrolled in Free TAFE since its launch on 1 January 2023.
Free TAFE, delivered in partnership between the Australian and state and territory governments, removes financial barriers for people to train in areas of high demand and significant skills shortages.
More than 6,200 Tasmanians enrolled in Free TAFE from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2024.
The $50 million TAFE Technology Fund is upgrading and expanding TAFE facilities across the country, including laboratories, workshops, equipment and simulated learning environments.
From 2023-2026 the Australian Government is investing over $21 million in Free TAFE places in Tasmania alone, providing opportunities for skilling up.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP:
"Upgrading TAFE facilities to industry standards provides a good teaching and learning environment but also ensures students are prepared for a well-paid job in a workshop when they graduate.
"The Albanese Government is investing in TAFE and Free TAFE, supporting outcomes like this.
"Tasmanians now have a choice: a choice between Anthony Albanese and a Labor government that is investing in Free TAFE and the TAFE technology fund, or Peter Dutton and the Liberals, who say free TAFE is a 'wasteful spending'.
"We are building a VET system that is prepared to meet the skill needs not just for the jobs of now, but that is ready to teach skills for the jobs that our Government is working hard to create."
Quotes attributable to Senator Anne Urquhart:
"The Albanese Labor Government's TAFE Technology Fund helps ensure TAFEs, including those in North-West Tasmania, are equipped to deliver training to the standards expected by students and industry."
"Traditional trades training delivery is a priority for the North-West Coast, and the opening of this new automotive spray-painting booth today at the TasTAFE Devonport campus will ensure students have access to a fit-for-purpose and high quality training facility."
