The Andrews Labor Government is helping hundreds of industry experts upskill to become TAFE teachers under an incentive program that is bringing extensive industry experience into classrooms across the state.

Just six months since the TAFE Teacher Training Scholarship launched, 125 skilled workers have signed-up across a variety of in-demand industries, including health and community services, construction and electrotechnology.

More than 15 per cent of the scholarship recipients are on a path to teach future nurses while more than 12 per cent will help upskill the next generation of plumbers – joining the existing Victorian TAFE teaching workforce which is one of the best paid in Australia.

Among the recipients is seventh-generation dairy farmer Danielle Wright who is now teaching at South West TAFE and was inspired to pass on her knowledge and help inspire more women and girls to join the agriculture industry.

The TAFE Teacher Training Scholarship provides up to 200 study assistance scholarships valued at $10,000 each to enhance the TAFE teaching workforce amid growing student enrolments.

The program is also a unique opportunity for skilled workers seeking a career change or for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic to pass on their industry-relevant skills to TAFE students. Another 75 scholarships are still available to Victorians who want to contribute to the next generation of highly skilled local workers.

Since 2014, the Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.

To sign-up to the TAFE Teacher Training Scholarship visit vic.gov.au/tafeteacher.