Welcome boost for apprenticeships
The Andrews Labor Government will invest $8.2 million of new money for Apprentice Support Officers in this year’s state budget.
ETU Victorian Secretary Troy Gray has welcomed the investment and says the new money will complement the Major Projects Skills Guarantee, the union-supported requirement for apprentice ratios on large-scale state developments.
“We’ve seen the Liberals at the state and federal level take the sledgehammer to TAFE – undermining training and apprenticeships for our young people. It’s time to start rebuilding skills training in this country.”
The announcement of new funding for apprenticeships tops off over $2.5 billion of new investment in regional rail, schools and hospitals in the budget.
Troy says “The Andrews Government understands you’ve actually got to invest if you want jobs and growth – a slogan is not enough.”
“Instead of blowing billions on corporate tax cuts, Malcolm Turnbull should be looking to Victoria for the secret to jobs and growth - investing in the things our community needs and the jobs to build them.”
State Budget 2017 highlights for ETU members:
- $8.2 million for Apprentice Support Officers
- $428.5 million in hospital upgrades
- $685 million schools investment
- $1.45 billion regional rail upgrades, extensions and new stations