NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today said that local residents across the region looking to undertake training to obtain a job or reskill next year will benefit, after the State Government announced fees for government subsidised vocational education and training would be fixed at 2015 levels for most qualifications.
“There are so many options for people across our region looking to build their skills or get a qualification to secure their dream job,” Mr Marshall said.
“The government supports more than 750 qualifications in areas of demand and the good news for prospective students is that next year, the majority of course fees will stay at 2015 levels.
“Many people across the Northern Tablelands will actually see vocational training become more affordable – trainees will benefit from a $1,000 cap on the cost of traineeships, there will be thousands of fee-free scholarships available, STEM scholarships and free pre-traineeship and pre-apprenticeship courses.
“As always, I encourage students to consider TAFE first as their training provider.”
Mr Marshall said that from next year the government would be investing in a range of initiatives to make it easier for young people to access high quality, affordable training, including:
- A cap on traineeship fees of $1,000;
- $10 million investment for 2015 school leavers to “try before you buy” through free pre-traineeship and pre-apprenticeship courses – funding 2,000 places;
- $25 million to deliver 25,000 scholarships to students enrolling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related vocational qualifications;
- $10 million investment for an additional 2,000 places for students to train for jobs to support the delivery of the National Disability Insurance Scheme;
- Wider access to subsidised training at the Foundation Skills and Certificates II and III levels (provided it is on the Skills List) for people with a prior qualification of a Certificate IV or higher qualification, enabling people to reskill for a new career; and
- Free vocational education and training, for qualifications on the NSW Skills List, for people with a disability, regardless of whether it is a first or subsequent qualification.