State Budget 2009-10: Training gains $47.4million stimulus

Training Minister Peter Collier said the State Government would allocate $47.4million in the next three years as part of the economic stimulus package for training. 

The Government has also introduced workers compensation rebates to help all employers, particularly small businesses, take on and retain first-year apprentices and trainees enrolled in Certificate III and above qualifications.

"Following a period of sustained economic growth, the State's economy is now being affected by a downturn which has increased the demand for training services," Mr Collier said.

"Already we have seen a 17 per cent increase in 2009 applications for full-time training through the centralised TAFEWA admissions process.

"This Government is taking prompt action to meet the increased demand for training services, to slow the decline in apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities, and to ensure skills development to maximise employment options when the economy rebounds."

To increase and retain the number of new employees, a major initiative is the temporary workers' compensation rebate to employers of first year apprentices and trainees.

"The Government wants to ensure the State's apprenticeship and traineeship system remains strong in the face of the current global economic downturn," the Minister said.

Other training initiatives in this year's Budget (projected for the next two years) included:

• expanded career development services - more than $3million is allocated to ensure Western Australians have greater access to professional careers advice and training information to assist them in making informed choices about further education and employment options

• strengthened Employment Directions Network (EDN)  - an additional $1.015million will strengthen the existing funding base ($7.7million) of the EDN, a State-wide network of 23 not-for-profit community-based organisations that deliver career advice, information and assistance to more than 50,000 clients each year

• recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)  - more than $1.6million will help for RPL leaders to co-ordinate, broker and facilitate the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector's ability to provide a better RPL skills assessment service to applicants

• recognition of Prior Learning (fee exemptions) - funding of $755,000 will offer applicants in publicly-funded courses a 50 per cent fee concession, with the unemployed being offered a fee-free RPL assessment

• Critical Response Team - $630,000 will provide additional support for employers and employees affected by the economic downturn

"The Government has strategies that encourage employment growth and workforce development, reduce business costs and support investment in training," Mr Collier said.

"These budget measures will underpin opportunities for employment-based training and alleviate, where possible, the pressures that threaten jobs and job opportunities.

"This Government has already done a lot of work to protect jobs and has introduced a raft of measures to position the State for the long-term.

"We have developed an action plan through TAFE colleges to help workers and employers affected by the economic downturn and to avert another chronic shortage of skilled workers for the long term.

"More than ever, we need a training system and training institutions that provide the flexibility and capacity to meet the needs of industry and employers and to ensure that individuals have the skills to make the most of their job and career opportunities.

"It is essential that our State's training system is proactive in giving people opportunities to gain formal qualifications, upskill or change careers."

WA Budget statements are available at http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/