The Victorian Government has advised the CET that they have discontinued subsidies for 91 of the qualifications funded through Skills First. The Skills First program funds training providers to deliver subsidised courses and skill sets, so eligible students and employers pay less for their training.
The list of courses no longer funded includes the Advanced Diplomas of Engineering and Engineering Technology, various business qualifications, qualifications covering lean manufacturing plus a range of others that are more occupationally specific. The full list of courses no longer funded is available from the CET. We have some concerns, including engineering and other qualifications. They are used by people in the industry wanting to upskill and progress their careers, people wanting to commence a career as a technician, and by people seeking an alternative pathway to university. The government’s rationale is the courses they have targeted have low demand, poor completion rates or high fee-for-service demand.
The CET has also been advised that private training providers who deliver training in Melbourne will have reduced funding to deliver Skills First subsidised places to students. Private training providers across Victoria will also have some subsidies reduced. Some sectors, including the foundry sector, rely entirely on private training providers for training apprentices and other employees. It remains to be seen whether this change will reduce the amount of training that private providers will offer.
The CET would like to hear your views about the Skills First changes. Will it change your intentions about training staff or employing apprentices? Please email cet@aigroup.com.au.
