The AMWU has welcomed the increase in funding to expand the number of Victorians with qualifications, as part of the Skills Reform announcements made this week by the Victorian Government.

It is a clear step in the right direction and training in the areas of skill shortage and emerging skill needs are the most essential, AMWU National President Julius Roe said.

“It is essential to ensure that job security for Victorian workers is improved in a situation where industry faces rapid change and steep competition, and increasing access to further skills training is an integral part of this.

“The measures to increase funding for Industry Training Advisory bodies and industry based skills needs assessments are initiatives that the AMWU supports.”

“We do have concerns about the potential implications of increased access to public funding for private providers.” Mr Roe said.

“If competition is based on reducing the hours and quality of the training, then this will undermine the viability of TAFE and won’t equip Victorian workers for the future. We will be working with the Victorian Government to ensure safeguards are in place and auditing to prevent private providers undercutting TAFE with lower quality training.

“Quality training in skill shortage areas should be funded at a higher level to ensure that the skills crisis is met.

The AMWU is also pleased that the Government has decided to hold off an increase in fees for most courses over the next few years.

“However, the future large fee increases and the introduction of HECS may reduce demand in the higher level diploma courses, which is already a clear area of shortage.

“We welcome the significant increase in expenditure and commitment to addressing the skills crisis, but urge that strong monitoring of quality outcomes and student accessibility are core components of the reform,” said Mr Roe.