The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) has welcomed the passage of the Victorian Government’s apprenticeship reforms through the Legislative Council this week, describing the legislation as a significant step towards improving apprenticeship completion rates and strengthening the apprenticeship system.
The reforms are consistent with recommendations made by the Apprenticeships Taskforce and reflect positions long supported by Victoria’s public TAFE network.
Victoria’s TAFEs and dual sector universities train the majority of the state’s apprentices and trainees and deliver more than 70 per cent of completed trade apprenticeships. They also provide frontline support to apprentices experiencing workplace challenges that place them at risk of disengaging from training, including counselling, mental health support and careers guidance.
VTA Chief Executive Officer Alex White said the reforms recognise that what happens in the workplace is critical to improving apprentice completion rates.
“Victoria’s apprenticeship system underpins the workforce that builds our homes, powers our clean energy transition and supports critical industries across the state.”
“The evidence is clear that apprenticeship completion is a shared responsibility, and this was recognised by industry, unions, trainers and government through the Apprenticeship Taskforce.”
National research consistently shows that workplace conditions, supervision, pay and employer support are among the most significant factors influencing apprentice retention and completion. The VTA has long argued that lifting completion rates requires a stronger focus on supporting apprentices to remain employed and connected to quality workplace learning experiences.
Mr White said the reforms would help strengthen Victoria’s future skills pipeline at a time of ongoing workforce shortages.
“Victoria cannot meet its future workforce needs without a strong apprenticeship system. A modern regulator will help more apprentices complete their training and move into the skilled occupations our economy depends on.”
The VTA thanked both the Victorian Government and the State Opposition for their engagement with the vocational education and training sector throughout the development and parliamentary consideration of the legislation.
“We thank both Labor and Liberal parliamentarians for consulting constructively with the sector and engaging with TAFEs .”
The Association said it looks forward to ongoing consultation on implementation and the development of regulations to ensure the reforms deliver better outcomes for apprentices and Victoria’s economy.
You can read more about Victoria’s apprenticeships here.
ENDS
Media contact
Jenny Stramilos
Strategic Communications Manager
Victorian TAFE Association
jstramilos@vta.vic.edu.au
0412 870 220
About the Victorian TAFE Association
The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) is the peak body for the Victorian TAFE sector, comprising Victoria’s 12 TAFE Institutes, four dual sector universities and AMES Australia. We proudly champion public vocational education and training (VET) with a focus on sustainability, quality, and outcomes for learners, industry, and community.