VERTO Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, has today lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to training and apprenticeships in the 2023-2024 Federal Budget, describing it as an essential investment in the country’s future.
“The Albanese Government’s significant investment in building a strong economy through vocational education and training and apprenticeships is very welcome, and a renewed focus and investment on skills shortage areas is critically important,” VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said.
“It’s great to see initiatives that will play a vitally important role in our ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including a further 300,000 fee-free TAFE and VET places in high-skills needs areas from 2024-26, along with a $54.3 million investment to improve Australian apprenticeship completion rates and improved quality for women, Indigenous and CALD apprentices.”
Mr Maxwell identified other key funding announcements that would benefit VERTO’s local communities right across NSW, including:
- An additional $3.7 billion five-year National Skills Agreement with states and territories to ensure more access to vocational education and training.
- $436 million over four years to fundamentally reform the way the Commonwealth delivers Foundation Skills programs, so more Australians over the age of 15 who need training to improve their literacy, numeracy and digital skills have access.
- $8.6 million to deliver the Australian Skills Guarantee and introduce national targets for apprentices, trainees and paid cadets working on Australian Government funded major infrastructure and ICT projects (including a boost women’s participation in apprenticeships).
- $3.9 million in additional funding over two years to establish a defence vocational skills taskforce.
- $42.2 million to develop a modern fit-for-purpose IT system for the VET Student Loan program.
“Creating more training and employment opportunities that are easier and more affordable to access will create a more level playing field for all, and will be life-changing for many,” Mr Maxwell said.
About VERTO
VERTO is a community owned, not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of apprenticeship, community support, employment and training services to assist individuals, employers and industries. We can be found in over 65 locations across New South Wales. For more information, visit www.verto.org.au
