New Skills Plan strengthens training sector

The Bligh Government will spend more than $280 million over the next four years to continue modernising TAFE facilities as part of the Queensland Skills Plan 2008.

At today’s launch, Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the investment was evidence of the importance placed on developing the vocational education and training (VET) sector.

“The Queensland Skills Plan 2008 has a focus on development of the VET sector to ensure it continues to meet the challenges of a growing economy,” Mr Welford said.

“The plan will see ongoing investment in TAFE infrastructure with $54.7 million to be spent on the construction of four SkillsTech Australia campuses in 2008-09.

“Across the TAFE system, a new ICT system will help students to manage their training and teachers to better access teaching resources.”

Mr Welford said the Queensland Skills Plan 2008 would increasingly involve industry in the development of vocational training programs, including the release of training staff to industry to increase their skill levels.

“The plan will establish local industry and community forums to offer input into the options for training delivery that is led by industry,” he said.

“A VET Futures program will develop innovative training products and research support services to ensure VET teachers have up-to-date industry experience and teaching methods.”

Mr Welford said the Queensland Skills Plan 2008 would build on the successful Teach Your Trade initiative and introduce a new program to attract and retain TAFE staff.

“Qualified teachers and trainers are fundamental to the VET system,” he said.

“The new strategy will focus on attracting teaching staff in areas of emerging demand such as civil infrastructure and sustainable technologies.”

Queensland Skills Plan 2008 will continue the reform of the TAFE system with more institutes to convert to statutory authorities following on from Southbank Institute of Technology and the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE.

Mr Welford will travel to six regional centres next week to outline the new measures in the Queensland Skills Plan 2008—on 1 September in Mackay; on 2 September in Mount Isa; 3 September in Townsville and Cairns; and 4 September in Rockhampton and Hervey Bay.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000