A major review commissioned by the Andrews Labor Government to reform and revitalise our post-secondary education and training system has laid out a path to secure the skilled workforce Victoria needs into the future.

The Labor Government’s major investments in roads and public transport, education, family violence prevention, disability and aged care will create thousands of jobs over the next decade.

Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy – led by former Federal Minister Jenny Macklin and released today – explored how the system can continue to support Victorian students, businesses and communities as those jobs come online.

Importantly, the review sought to provide confidence to jobseekers and employers, especially as Victoria responds to and recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

It is the latest step in the Labor Government’s ongoing work to rebuild the sector after it was left decimated by the last Liberal Government, and contains key recommendations on how to:

• ensure all Victorians can access the training they need
• provide better opportunities for teachers to improve their practice and support high quality training
• strengthen pathways from learning to the workplace
• foster collaboration between stakeholders, including training providers and industry
• respond to roadblocks between training and emerging industries
• build a new evidence and data base that supports improved planning and decision-making

The Government will now consider the findings of the review and respond within the coming months.

Since 2015, the Government has invested to rebuild TAFE, refurbish campuses, launch Free TAFE for Priority Courses and support disadvantaged students into training and jobs.

In the Victorian Budget 2020/21, we invested a record $1 billion to make sure the state has the training and skills system it needs to emerge stronger from the coronavirus pandemic.

Work has already begun on a number of reforms to support those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, create pathways for apprentices and trainees to Victoria’s Big Build projects, provide rapid retraining for in-demand jobs and grow the workforce for new and innovative sectors, including clean energy programs.