Key Points
A Rebecca White Labor Government will properly resource our TAFE to build a better future for Tasmanian students and industry.
A Rebecca White Labor Government will give Tasmanians best-practice training to build the workforce of the future, by building a better TAFE system alongside cost-of-living relief to make study more affordable.
Labor will:
- Create a Centre of Excellence for automatic, hydrogen and electric vehicles at the Clarence TAFE
- Create a Civil Construction Centre for Excellence at Burnie TAFE
- Establish a state-of-the-art Computerised Numerical Control Machining Facility to train apprentices and upskill workers at Derwent Park
- Bring back a $500 tool allowance for apprentices
- Increase allowances for apprentices travelling to study
- Fund scholarships for industry trades teachers
- Employ 10 extra numeracy and literacy support staff to assist students with foundational skills
- Bring TAFE back in to the State Service
- Increase childcare subsidies for TAFE students
The details
Automotive, Hydrogen and EV Centre of Excellence
A Labor Government will commit $7m and seek to partner with the Federal Government to establish a Centre of Excellence for automatic, hydrogen and electric vehicles at the Clarence TAFE campus in Warrane.
The Centre will address the training demand for electric vehicle repair to meet the needs of our future energy system with nearly 1700 EVs now registered in Tasmania, as well as working with Metro Tasmania to deliver training and employment pathways for mechanics, including electric bus and hydrogen vehicle service and repair.
Training delivered will include courses for first-responders and emergency services workers on disconnecting electric vehicles safely in an emergency situations. As well as training for tyre shops, panel beaters and tow truck operators in handling electric vehicles.
The Centre will replace the existing automotive workshop in Hobart which has reached capacity with extended waitlists for training.
Costing will include a $7m state commitment and seeking $7m Federal contribution.
Burnie Civil Construction Centre for Excellence
Labor will also expand the Burnie TAFE civil construction workshop by seeking a partnership with the Federal Government to create a Civil Construction Centre for Excellence, and deliver pioneering work in civil construction to be shared nationally with other TAFEs cross the country.
With a combined State/federal commitment of $8m, this expansion will upgrade the materials used in the facility and allow more apprentices and trainees to use the facility.
Being co-located it will support students from Hellyer College to use the expanded facility for VET in schools.
State of the Art CNC Facility
Labor will commit $1.5m to purchase and install a state-of-the-art Computerised Numerical Control Machining Facility to train apprentices and upskill workers at Derwent Park within the TasTAFE Metals and Manufacturing team.
This Hub would have state-of-the-art equipment meeting current industry standards and practices, and deliver CNC turning programs as a priority.
CNC’s are progressively being adopted by Tasmanian companies as they seek to produce goods to a higher standard as well as improve productivity. New markets, new products and new customers open themselves up to manufacturers who have this equipment. This will result in improved productivity and higher paid jobs for Tasmanians.
Fitting and Machining skills are required in all Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering businesses in Tasmania. There is a skills deficit due to the equipment being 30 years behind the technology and equipment used in manufacturing. This Centre will deliver training in these technologies and support vocational education.
$500 Apprentice Tool Allowance
Labor will also create a new Apprentice Tool Allowance to provide up to a $500 rebate to apprentices for the purchase of relevant tools or safety equipment for their on-the-job work, delivering even more cost-of-living relief to apprentices and trainees.
Student Travel Allowances
With the cost-of-living crisis acting as a barrier to study, a Labor Government will increase allowances paid to apprentices when they have to travel for study.
Currently, apprentices can claim only $55 per night for accommodation and is deficient. Apprentices have been skipping meals and live in poverty so they can pay for their accommodation. This is a significant issue for apprentices and is a clear barrier to apprentices continuing their training
Labor will introduce a new meal allowance of $40 a day and an accommodation allowance of $100 per night.
Bring TAFE back to the State Service
Importantly, a Labor Government will bring TAFE back in to the State Service to deliver better outcomes for students and teachers.
TAFE should have never been removed from the public service and is at it’s best as a public education facility for staff and students.
TAFE Teacher Scholarships
We’ll make a start on the work that’s needed to rebuild TAFE by providing 20 scholarships for new trades teachers.
For too long, Tasmanians have heard about the challenges TAFE has faced in recruiting and retaining teachers for its courses.
This in turn has impacted industry who have been left with a shortage of qualified workers.
To remedy this, a Labor Government will offer six-month scholarships to people from trade or professional backgrounds to assist them in becoming qualified TAFE teachers.
The scholarships will be worth $45,000 each - to cover lost wages while earning a teaching qualification. We anticipate the scholarships might be particularly attractive to people nearing the end of their trade career.
We will also support current TAFE teachers to spend more time in the trades they teach, ensuring that graduates are ready for work from the moment they walk out the door. This will ensure they’re across the latest practices in industry, and also make working at TAFE a more dynamic and attractive career move.
Foundational Skills
A Labor Government will fund 10 extra literacy and numeracy staff at TAFE, to help deliver foundational skills.
With more than half of students failing to complete their courses after a decade of Liberal Government and over 8,000 students needing these services, this will double the available support at TAFE and help more students complete their courses.
This is critical in Tasmania where 50% of adults are illiterate or need support with the English language.
Labor will also expand eligibility for TAFE’s Literacy Check Assessment Tool, so prospective TAFE students can get support before they enrol, to reduce drop-out rates.
A Labor Government also will support no or low-fee access to foundational skills training through VET and adult and community education training providers, through building on Federal Government funding through the National Skills Agreement. There is a national review on this topic at present and we will consider the suggested actions.
Childcare Subsidies
To support students, Labor will increase the childcare subsidies that are available for TAFE students so people can get a qualification while they raise their children.
It’s time for a better future. A Labor Government will provide cost-of-living relief and develop a strong TAFE to help train the workers of the future.
What people say about our policy
"Successive Tasmanian Liberal governments have shamefully neglected skills and training for a decade, with serious consequences for construction.
Labor’s plans will help apprentices with their backs to the wall from the cost-of-living crunch.
These critical changes to the TAFE system will help arm Tasmanian tradies with the skills they need to benefit the entire state and find secure, well-paid jobs. “
- Zach Smith, CFMEU National Secretary (Construction and General Division)
“Tasmania is the only state or jurisdiction without electric vehicle servicing and repair training options.
Currently, mechanics have to travel to the mainland to upskill, like the Metro Tasmania mechanics have had to.
Having EV training right here in Tasmania so mechanics can learn diagnostic, servicing and repair of electric vehicles is long overdue.”
- Jacob Batt, Acting State Secretary, AMWU
“The CNC facility will be another flagship addition to the investment underway in TasTAFE and in supporting the vocational education sector which ultimately supports the expansion of Tasmania’s manufacturing sector.”
- Ray Mostogl, CEO of Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC)