Thursday, 30 November 2023

Ministers statements: training and skills

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:19): 2023 has demonstrated the power and purpose of Victoria’s TAFE and training sector. This was absolutely on show at the recent Australian Training Awards, Apprentice Training Awards and Learn Local Awards, where the variety and depth of training and skills in Victoria shone brightly. These awards made it very clear that our skills and TAFE system is relevant, connected, aligned with industry, embedded in community and delivering the skills needed to get rewarding careers.

The Australian Training Awards were recently presented in Hobart, and I am so proud of every finalist, especially our gold award winners: the women in Apprenticeships Victoria electrical program, who received an Industry Collaboration Award; and the Beaufort and Skipton Health Service, who received the Small Employer of the Year Award for delivering excellence in industry-aligned skills and training. I must also mention our very own Mary Faraone, CEO of Holmesglen TAFE, who won the Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award.

Nick McGowan: Were you there, Minister?

Gayle TIERNEY: Yes, I was. Skills and training are about people. The recent Learn Local Awards and Apprentice Training Awards highlighted what people can do and achieve. All Learn Local Awards finalists demonstrated the importance of foundation and workplace skills designed to meet local community need. Our apprentices demonstrated that their qualifications are valued and have earned them great skills that are in demand. I applaud every finalist and would like to congratulate every winner of these awards. Under this government every part of Victoria’s skills and training system gets the recognition it so richly deserves.