$20m to tackle skills shortages

VICTORIAN TAFE colleges will share $20 million under a State Government plan to tackle severe skills shortages.
Premier John Brumby announced the funds at Box Hill TAFE, which will receive $6.8 million for new equipment.
Mr Brumby said the package also included $5 million to fund water-recycling projects and other works to help TAFEs cut their water and energy usage; $5 million for new computer resources; and $4.7 million for upgrades to make TAFE campuses safer.
“Victorians must have the skills needed for the jobs of the future,” Mr Brumby said.
“This new equipment and other initiatives will help us meet the challenges facing our economy – particularly skills shortages which need to be addressed to make sure Victorian businesses thrive.”
Minister for Skills Jacinta Allan said the government had invested more than $1.1 billion in vocational education and training since 1999.
“Today’s announcement is another significant example of how we are investing in our TAFE system to provide innovative training resources and skills for critical parts of our economy. “