30 January 2026
The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) welcomes the release of the Victorian Government’s AI Mission Statement, which recognises the central role that TAFE plays for upskilling and reskilling.
TAFE provides practical, hands-on training for digital technology like AI, ensuring that Victorians are not left behind as industries evolve.
To maintain this momentum, it remains vital that Skills First funding for AI-related micro-credentials is provided through TAFE.
Micro-credentials provide targeted, shorter courses that allow workers to gain specific, high-demand skills quickly. By leveraging the existing Skills First framework through TAFE, the Government can ensure that AI education is accessible to all Victorians, particularly those in industries most affected by AI and automation.
The public TAFE model is uniquely suited to this challenge because it provides hands-on, practical training deeply connected to real industry needs. TAFE and dual sector universities deeply partner with industry and employers to ensure graduates are job-ready and equipped for secure, decent work.
This industry-aligned approach is critical for the responsible adoption of AI, as it focuses on the practical tools and ethical considerations required in modern Victorian workplaces.
At the same time, TAFE training also ensures thousands of Victorians are gaining qualifications and entering careers that technology and AI cannot easily replace.
Quote attributable to Alex White, CEO of the Victorian TAFE Association:
“By partnering with TAFEs to build a future-ready workforce, the Government is utilising the public TAFE network’s proven capability to drive productivity and decent, secure careers.
Initiatives like the Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan and the Digital Jobs – AI Career Conversion program are clear examples of how TAFE is the solution to Victoria’s most pressing challenges.”