Major sectors of Tasmania’s economy are crying out for skilled workers while the Government neglects training opportunities and providers.
Shadow Minister for ICT & Innovation Madeleine Ogilvie said the Liberals need to get serious when it comes to skills and training.
“Skilled workers are desperately needed in a range of areas including the construction industry, in tourism and to complete the roll-out of the NBN,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“But instead of bolstering training providers like TasTAFE, the Liberal Government is shrinking the number of opportunities.
“There were 442 fewer apprentices and trainees undertaking training in 2014/15 than in 2013/14.
“TAFE is being starved of opportunities to grow with lucrative contracts going to interstate providers.
“From $17.2 million worth of training contracts handed out by the Liberal Government last year, just $1.3 million went to TasTAFE.
“The Government has cut around 50 staff from the organisation since June 2014.
“This government is not doing enough to encourage Tasmanians to undertake training and as a result there’s a serious skills shortage.
“If our tourism and construction industries are going to blossom, we need a highly skilled workforce ready to take up the challenge.
“When it comes to the NBN, there’s a golden opportunity for more Tasmanians to work on the roll-out with 200 technicians needed to complete it.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for ICT & Innovation
