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Australia : $4.7 million boost for skills training in Geelong [TendersInfo (India)]
[October 31, 2014]

Australia : $4.7 million boost for skills training in Geelong [TendersInfo (India)]


(TendersInfo (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Minister for Higher Education and Skills Nick Wakeling today announced that the Napthine Government will be investing $4.7 million for The Gordon TAFE to implement new blended learning programs for students in Geelong and surrounding areas.



Speaking at The Gordon, Mr Wakeling said a key component of this investment was to support the TAFE to offer a more innovative and industry focused model of training for jobs of the future.

"This $4.7 million investment from the Coalition's $200 million TAFE Structural Adjustment Fund demonstrates the Government's commitment to provide all students with strong employment opportunities as a result of their training," Mr Wakeling said.


Mr Wakeling said The Gordon's blended learning initiative will combine face-to-face classes with online learning, providing students with a flexible and engaging educational environment that makes optimal use of resources and facilities.

"As part of the Coalition Government's $4.7 million investment, The Gordon will install video conferencing equipment and upgrade the Institute's Wi-Fi network to enhance communication with students," Mr Wakeling said.

"This will support The Gordon in attracting and retaining more students, with a more accessible range of flexible course options and training delivery tailored to better meet the needs of individual students." CEO Lisa Line welcomed the Napthine Government's funding commitment.

"The Gordon is delighted by this significant announcement," Ms Line said.

"In an increasingly sophisticated digital world it will enable the Institute to meet the rapidly changing training needs and expectations of students and industry." Victoria's industry focused training system targets occupations that are forecast for jobs growth with 72 per cent of training now being undertaken in areas of skills shortage and value to the economy.

Mr Wakeling said this $4.7 million investment was is in addition to the Coalition Government's annual $1.2 billion commitment to training in Victoria.

"When the former government fundamentally changed the training system in 2008, Labor said there was "clear need for structural changes in the way the training system works" and that "change must be far reaching," Mr Wakeling said.

"However Labor failed to ensure The Gordon and other similar institutions could adapt to the changes imposed on them." Mr Wakeling said this investment will enable The Gordon to better compete in the open market introduced by Labor.

"Unlike Labor, the Napthine Coalition Government actively supported TAFEs by investing $200 million to help transform their operations and adjust to the market driven system introduced by Labor," Mr Wakeling said.

Since 2010 under the Coalition, funding for TAFEs to deliver skills training has increased by 23 per cent to $600 million.

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