THE quality of Labor’s Trade Training Centres (TTC) in schools programme will be independently reviewed, amid feedback students are not graduating with the skills employers need.
“Industry has raised numerous concerns about inconsistencies in the quality of training, qualifications and equipment offered from one Centre to the next,” explained Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.
“We need to get more of our kids into trades and training if we’re going to address skills shortages, but that training needs to be high-quality and include on-the-job experience to be effective.
“Unfortunately, Labor’s TTC’s programme was focussed on building flashy new buildings, rather than on the quality of training being delivered inside.”
Mr Entsch said the Trade Training Centres were operating with 20 year contracts, so the review was about ensuring they deliver taxpayers and students maximum value going forward.
“We need to ensure our kids know that trades and training are first-class career pathways – just like university – and that the quality of training and the qualifications they receive reflects this. That’s what the review is all about.”
The Abbott Government is currently working with the states and territories to update the national Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) framework for the first time since 2001 and this review will complement that work.
Below is a list of the Trade Training Centres in Leichhardt that will be included in the review:
· Adikuiam Adidi Memorial Trade Training Centre
· Cairns Catholic Vocational Trade Training Centre
· MarineTech Trade Training Centre
· Pathways to Careers in Trades Trade Training Centre
· TagaiSkills Trade Training Centre
· Wangetti Technical and Vocational Educational College Trade Training Centre
· Western Cape Trades Skills Centre
Local Trade Training Centres in Leichhardt can also have a say, via www.education.gov.au/trade-training-centres-schools-program
The independent TTC review is being conducted by Ms Patricia Scott, an economist with wide experience in policy and service delivery as a senior policy adviser and former Departmental Secretary.
The report into Trade Training Centres is expected to the Government later this year.
