Skills First

A set of reforms for the training and TAFE sector. The reforms ensure that Victoria's training and TAFE system delivers high quality training that leads learners to real jobs.

Overview

Skills First is made up of:

  • high-quality training that students and industry can trust, aligned to industry and workforce needs
  • a real voice for industry in training
  • funding for high needs learners who need additional support to engage with and succeed in education and training
  • access to targeted, relevant training for students in regional areas.

Real training for real jobs brochure

Growth sectors

Skills First is ensuring Victoria can provide the skilled workers needed for the six sectors primed for major job growth:

  • medical technology and pharmaceuticals
  • new energy technology
  • food and fibre
  • transport
  • defence and construction technology
  • international education and professional services.

Funding

Funding has been designed to deliver responsive and relevant training, but there will be closer management of the system. This is complemented by targeted funding streams, including:

  • a supplementary funding stream for TAFEs
  • the Reconnect program
  • the workforce training innovation fund
  • the regional and specialist training fund.

Contacts and compliance

Skills First funding contracts with training providers are better aligned to workforce needs. They include:

  • penalties that can be applied to providers who fail to properly assess every student's suitability for their course
  • the ability to publish results of student and employer satisfaction surveys
  • new requirements to improve the quality of online and workplace-based training
  • requirements that training providers using brokers must disclose brokering arrangements on their websites.

Restoring TAFEs

TAFEs are the engine room for Victorian jobs, delivering around 70 per cent of all apprenticeships. They also retrain Victorians with skills to help them transition to new jobs. Under Skills First, they are recognised and supported.

The capacity of TAFEs to meet the needs of their communities is being restored with funding each year to recognise their distinct role as the public provider supporting learners of all ages and abilities, no matter where they live.

Supporting quality providers

Private providers are focusing their business plans on delivering great training rather than worrying about poor quality, low cost competitors and their bottom line. Quality providers can compete to meet the needs of students, industry and the economy.

Funding subsidies reflect the real cost of qualifications and ensure high quality training is meeting the needs of industry and employers. Contracts are ensuring that public funds are well spent.

Updated