Victorian coalition pledges 10 technical colleges for trade training

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 17:54 · Archive

Victoria's opposition coalition will establish ten technical colleges to provide hands-on vocational training in trades to 5000 secondary students. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson will officially announce the election commitment on Sunday.

The colleges will enrol students from years 10 to 12 and be located at existing secondary schools and TAFE Institutes. Each college will cater for up to 500 students and will have dedicated teachers. Training will focus on trades critical to building new homes and infrastructure including plumbing, electrical work and carpentry, alongside health care and hospitality. The colleges will partner with local businesses and industry bodies to deliver industry-focused learning.

Ms Wilson said the plan was part of the opposition's strategy to grow the economy and boost home-building by better connecting what students learned at school with 'the jobs our state desperately needs filled'. She added: 'Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom and not every young person wants to go to university. They deserve another pathway to a great career.'

The rollout will cost $222 million over eight years. The opposition said the project's cost would be offset by more than $24 billion of 'disciplined and responsible savings' including a hiring freeze on back-office bureaucrats and caps on excessive public service executive pay. The plan replicates South Australia's model announced in 2022.

How it is being reported

• Coalition pledges hands-on pathway to train tradiesThe Victorian opposition is taking a leaf out of a neighbouring state's book, pledging to adopt an innovative approach to boost training in trades.The West Australian · 10 Oct, 17:32
• Coalition pledges hands-on pathway to train tradiesThe Victorian opposition is taking a leaf out of a neighbouring state's book, pledging to adopt an innovative approach to boost training in trades.Perth Now · 10 Oct, 17:32

In this story: Jess Wilson · Victorian opposition coalition · Victoria · South Australia

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