Hodgman out of touch with industry on skills and training

• Liberal Government has failed to deliver on apprenticeships, skills and training
• Tasmanians will be watching to see if government delivers in budget
• Labor’s comprehensive plan will boost skilled Tasmanian workforce
Premier Will Hodgman’s flippant reaction to Labor’s comprehensive plan to partner with industry and get more Tasmanians into the workforce has highlighted a government hopelessly out of touch with the state’s business community.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the Premier’s dismissal of a practical policy which creates a clear pathway for future generations of Tasmanians to gain legitimate skills and training also showed the Liberal Government had no plan to create jobs.
“Labor’s plan will see government and business and industry groups work together to deliver skills training to make young Tasmanians job-ready as well as an apprenticeship bonus payment scheme,” Ms White said.
“We have consulted widely across a range of industries and this is what industry wants.
“The sector want a say in how Tasmanians are skilled up and trained, the areas of training that are needed and how training dollars are spent.
“They want to take on workers who have appropriate skills and we achieve that by working with industry and giving Tasmanian employers a say in how that training is delivered.
“For Mr Hodgman to dismiss the needs of industry as ‘another layer of bureaucracy’ is simply irresponsible and shows he is not talking to employers.
“The Premier has also indicated his government’s Budget next month will address apprenticeships, skills and training.
“All Tasmanians will be watching very closely to see if that commitment is delivered.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader