Minister Barr: ACT welcomes new National Skills Agreement
- Written by ACT Government
Released 17/10/2023
The ACT Government is supporting a strong and skilled workforce for Canberra’s future by signing up to the National Skills Agreement.
This landmark five year agreement between the Commonwealth and all states and territories will deliver one of the biggest investments into building a more resilient and diverse workforce.
The Agreement will focus on lifting the national skill level and attracting more skilled workers into critical and emerging industries.
It’s an extensive investment in Canberra, supporting our vision to grow our total workforce to 300,000 by 2030.
The agreement incorporates funding for a number of new initiatives in the ACT which will support key priorities in skills and workforce development, including:
- Over $24 million in matched ACT-Commonwealth funding for TAFE Centres of Excellence, with a focus in the ACT on the transition to a net zero economy
- $6.5 million in matched funding for Closing the Gap initiatives to support training for First Nations Canberrans
- $14 million in matched funding to improve VET and apprentice completion rates, with a focus on groups such as First Nations students, women and other vulnerable cohorts
- Approximately $13 million in matched funding to foster collaboration between CIT and other public training providers to enhance quality and capability in the VET workforce and sector
- Close to $1.5 million to improve access to foundation skills and learning
The ACT Government will continue to support Fee Free TAFE at CIT, so priority cohorts such as young people, jobseekers and women in non-traditional fields will have access to free training in areas of skills need.
We have committed to delivering thousands more Fee Free TAFE places over the coming years, with a specific focus on renewable energy, cyber security, the care sector, construction, hospitality and foundation skills.
With more than 2500 Canberrans already taking up this opportunity for free training in 2023, the Government will continue this popular program to achieve better education outcomes and support local businesses with the skills they need to succeed.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
