Labor’s skills and training overhaul means jobs for future Tasmanian generations

• Apprenticeship bonus payment scheme to deliver for employers
• Industry Advisory Councils to design and deliver skills training
• Definitive pathway from early years to skills training to workforce
A re-elected Labor Government will overhaul Tasmania’s skills, training and education system to provide clear pathways for the next generation of Tasmanians and include business in planning to create jobs.
Addressing a sold-out community breakfast in Hobart today, Labor Leader Rebecca White said a Labor Government would introduce an apprenticeship bonus payment scheme totalling $3,000 for employers at the start and completion of all apprenticeships as part of its ambitious plan to give all Tasmanians the best opportunity to gain skills and enter the workforce.
“One of the things I hear most regularly as I talk to Tasmanian businesses is that the students coming out of our skills and training system are not job-ready,” Ms White said.
“Clearly something is very wrong when we have under-employment but businesses can’t find suitable applicants.
“We need to ensure that when people undertake study, the skills they gain can help them on a pathway to employment and we do that by giving businesses a greater say in our skills and training system.
“Creating a structural link between industry and our education system means that from the time students enrol in kindergarten, they will be being prepared for future jobs.
“A Labor Government will partner with business and industry groups to establish Industry Advisory Councils representing key sectors of our economy.
“They will produce comprehensive Industry Development Plans, playing a defined role in creating a blueprint for delivering skills training.
“The Industry Advisory Councils will play a key role in directing how TAFE dollars are spent to meet workforce requirements.
“Labor will also place Skills Tasmania in the Education Department to create a pathway of learning from the early years to primary and secondary school, through to the skills and training system and then into the workforce.
“This policy reflects the fact that the primary role of our education system is to get our future generations job-ready.
“We need to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to get a job and be part of the workforce and create an environment that boosts Tasmania’s economic growth.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader