SKILLS AND TRAINING FOR TASMANIA’S FUTURE

Thousands of young Tasmanians will gain new skills with no upfront cost, and in turn boost the state’s renewable electricity generation sector, through a $17 million investment from the Morrison Government.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new Energising Tasmania initiative would support locals to gain the skills that business needs, boosting the economy of regional Tasmania and bringing the Battery of the Nation plan to life.

 

“We are passionate about getting more young people into work, and giving them the opportunity to gain the right skills,” the Prime Minister said.

 

“So we’re scrapping the upfront costs for priority training courses to ensure Tasmanians have the right mix of skills for the future. More than 28 per cent of Tasmanians don’t have qualifications beyond Year 10 so we want to broaden that skill set to help more Tasmanians get into work, and help local businesses get the workers they need.

 

“By covering the course cost gap we’re investing to help young Tasmanians get the vocational education and training they need for the Battery of the Nation plan. We’re committed to the Battery of Tasmania plan alongside the Hodgman Liberal Government and our $17 million training boost is ultimately about delivering the skills that project needs, the skills the local economy needs, and most importantly the skills young Tasmanians need.”

 

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash said Tasmania is blessed with natural resources which can be harnessed to help meet its energy needs.

 

“Tasmania needs a skilled workforce to build up pumped hydro capabilities and support the energy infrastructure of the future,” Minister Cash said.

 

“Energising Tasmania will focus on occupations in priority skills areas such as project management, civil construction, electro-technology, resource management, building and construction, water industry operations and engineering.

 

“Individuals engaged in training will also be eligible to receive up to $1000 per person to cover other costs associated with training, such as books and materials, and student amenity fees. This will make training more accessible to those least able to pay.”