$113m funding boosts WA’s vocational education and training

The Albanese and Cook governments will invest $113.6 million under the National Skills Agreement to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) in Western Australia. The funding focuses on four key areas:

• Improved Completions: $46.5m to boost apprenticeship completion rates, especially among priority groups.
• Closing the Gap: $43.9m to support First Nations training providers, enhance cultural competency and grow the VET workforce.
• VET Workforce: $15.2m for recruitment, professional development and retention strategies for skilled teachers and trainers, especially in priority sectors and regions.
• Foundation Skills: $8m to expand the Read Write Now program in regional WA, with community-driven delivery of language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, and targeted support for First Nations learners. 

This builds on previous investments, including $85m for TAFE Centres of Excellence and the defence industry, as well as more than $9m in funding for enhancements to WA TAFEs and educational institutions through the Commonwealth’s $50m TAFE Technology Fund.

This funding supports the work of Apprenticeship Support Australia in Western Australia. The plan to help more apprentices finish training matches ASA’s focus on guidance and support. Efforts to grow skilled teachers and improve basic skills also fit ASA’s goal to build a strong, skilled workforce in key industries.