Important Update from the Federal Government

A five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) will unlock an investment of $12.6 billion for the VET sector, support quality training, and implement reforms to address critical skills needs.

For the first time in history, a new National Stewardship model will coordinate strategic investment in skills across the economy, support the delivery of skills needed in national priority areas, and provide States and Territories with the flexibility to meet local industry skills needs.

TAFE will receive significant investments, such as establishing a nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence, including partnerships between TAFE's, universities, Jobs and Skills Councils and industry.

The investment budget includes an extra $2.4 billion in flexible funding to support State and Territory skills sectors with the capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries.

Priority industries include clean energy and Net Zero transformation of the economy, manufacturing skills, national security, food security, construction, care, support services, and digital and technology capabilities.

An additional $1.2 billion of Commonwealth funding to implement reforms will include:

• Support, growth, and retention of a quality VET workforce.

• Establishing a National TAFE leadership Network to promote cutting-edge curriculum.

• Closing the Gap initiatives to be designed in partnership with First Nations peoples and led by them.

• Improving VET completions, including women and others who face completion challenges.

• Improving foundation skills training capacity, quality, and accessibility.

• Improving VET evidence and data.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor shares this news delightfully:

"A high-performing and world-class VET sector is crucial for achieving a fairer society and a stronger economy."

Peter Gilchrist, Executive Director for Apprenticeship Support Australia shares:

"The 5-year National Skills Agreement is fantastic news for the VET sector and Australia's broader economy and society. We were pleased to hear about this investment, which will help build foundation skills, close the gap for our First Nations learners and open the doors to more women building their careers in male-dominated trades.

We're proud to be part of the driving force working towards skills development and contributing to reducing the national skills shortage.”

Apprenticeship Support Australia are the experts in the Vocational Education and Training sector. We are here to help you and your apprentice. Please reach out to us here or call our friendly team on 1300 363 831.