Wednesday, 15 September 2021

 Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:13): Today I would like to acknowledge the incredible work and commitment of all students, apprentices, teachers, employers, TAFEs and training providers during the past 12 months. In particular I would like to draw attention to the 44 finalists of the 67th annual Victorian Training Awards, who have been selected from the highest number of nominations in 10 years, which goes to show how successful and how important the Victorian TAFE and training sector is. The award ceremony will take place online next month and will highlight the achievements, resilience and innovation of the sector and students.

Today I would like to draw attention to the nominees for the industry collaboration award. Firstly, the Victoria Police diversity recruitment program is a national first to improve employment outcomes for African Australians within the Victorian police force. It is a collaboration between Victoria Police, Victoria University, Jesuit Social Services, Africause, AMES Australia, MatchWorks and Maurice Blackburn. Secondly, Wodonga TAFE, Transport Women Australia and Volvo Australia have a program focused on building opportunities and reducing barriers for women seeking employment in the transport industry. And the CYP Design & Construction-Holmesglen Institute collaboration is a project where Lendlease, John Holland and Bouygues have partnered with Holmesglen to meet the skill needs of the Metro Tunnel project. It features the MetroHub jobs and training centre and the Victorian Tunnelling Centre, another first—a real-time and simulated training facility.

I am proud that the Andrews Labor government recognises the achievements of so many people and organisations and supports real collaboration, and I am sure the rest of the chamber will join with me in congratulating all the finalists.