trade training centres in schools programme launched

Medial Release, The Honourable Julia Gillard MP, 7 March 2008; The Australian, Justine Ferrari,
8 March 2008

The Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Ms Julia Gillard, has invited all government and
non-government secondary schools to apply for funding under the newly launched Trade Training Centre in Schools Programme.

Schools that intend to train students in trades with the biggest skills shortages will be given priority in the $2.5 billion programme, which will deliver $400 million this year in two phases. Schools can apply for up to $1.5 million over the
ten year span of the programme.

The funding will allow schools to build new, or upgrade existing trade or vocational education and training facilities, purchase or replace a range of trade training related equipment, and bring facilities into line with current safety or industry standards.

Ms Gillard said that the programme will ‘give Australians greater training opportunities and help address the skills shortage’. The programme will also increase student retention rates to 85 per cent by 2015 and 90 per cent by 2020.

‘We see this program as a partnership, which will give young people more options as they move through their
schooling and help them transition from school to work or further education and training. At the same time,
businesses and industry will benefit from having a better trained workforce at a time of high demand for skilled
workers,’ Ms Gillard said.

 

 

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