NSW budget 2024: Dilapidated classrooms targeted in $206 million TAFE spend
Dilapidated buildings will be targeted in urgent repairs as part of a $190 million budget boost, with extra money also going to fee-free TAFE courses.
NSW
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Dilapidated buildings, sketchy Wi-Fi and malfunctioning digital devices in TAFE classrooms will be targeted in urgent repairs as part of a $190 million budget boost.
Next week’s NSW budget will also set aside $16.3 million to continue fee-free training for all apprentices and trainees across NSW, and is anticipated to fund nearly 40,000 apprentices and trainees.
The investment covers upfront apprentice fees of up to $2000 and $1000 for trainees from July 1.
The funding is part of the Minns government’s contribution to the Commonwealth’s Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement, in which the Albanese government committed $1.5 billion in funding for over 500,000 fee-free vocational training places across the country over three years.
The program targets students upskilling in areas of national priority including construction, early childhood education and health and aged care.
More than 156,000 people have enrolled in the fee-free vocational training since April 2023.
The $206 million TAFE package is less than the $300 million earmarked in last year’s state budget, which was also spent on repairs and updating Wi-Fi systems across 28 regional campuses.
NSW Skills Minister Steve Whan said removing financial barriers for those wanting to move into the skills workforce was critical in addressing skills shortages in the construction sector.
“The Minns Labor Government has an absolute focus on trying to overcome the shortage that we have in residential accommodation in NSW and developing the skills to build those houses is a key part of delivering on that commitment,” he said.
“In order to attract and retain a skilled workforce in NSW, we know we have to deliver world-class educational facilities.”
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