Gold Coast TAFE to become statutory institute

Gold Coast Institute of TAFE will tomorrow (1 July) embark on a new era as an independent statutory authority in Queensland’s TAFE network.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Gold Coast TAFE’s move to a statutory institute represented another initiative under the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan.

“The institute has taken advantage of reforms made in 2007 to the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 so that it can become a statutory institute,” Mr Welford said.

“The statutory authority model offers a framework for Gold Coast Institute to be more flexible, cost-effective and autonomous.

“These corporate governance arrangements increase the capacity of institutes to develop industry partnerships and grow the commercial component of their business in a competitive vocational education and training market.

“Statutory TAFE institutes will be better equipped to be more responsive to individual and industry needs.”

Mr Welford said the move would allow the institute to invest in their infrastructure and resources to meet the future training needs of Queensland, particularly in the rapidly developing Gold Coast region.

“As a statutory institute, Gold Coast TAFE will be required to compete more freely in the national market to address identified skill shortages,” he said.

“At the same time students will continue to receive the highest standard of vocational education and training by dedicated teachers and staff.”

In 2007 Gold Coast Institute of TAFE was awarded Queensland’s Public Training Provider of the Year at the Queensland Training Awardsas an innovative leader offering vocational education and training services to international, national and local clients.

On 1 April this year Southbank Institute of Technology became the first statutory institute in Queensland’s TAFE network.

Mr Welford said Gold Coast Institute of TAFE would offer VET FEE-HELP assistance to eligible students in the future, enabling them to access loans to pay part or all of their tuition fees.

The Gold Coast Institute of TAFE board is expected to be announced by the end of July 2008.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000