Labor will spend $40 million to increase the share of Australians working in areas of high need for the national economy, expanding TAFE training in emissions reductions, the care sector and digitisation.

Preparing to release the government’s employment white paper in Adelaide on Monday, Treasure Jim Chalmers said he would fast-track funding for up to six new TAFE centres of excellence, set to be included in the new five-year National Skills Agreement with the states.