Expanding access to high quality training

Skills for jobs, growth and productivity

The Australian economy is undergoing a major transformation. Its patchwork nature means some industries and regions are growing rapidly while others are finding it difficult to compete and remain profitable.

A highly skilled workforce ensures that our businesses are resilient, innovative and competitive in the global economy and individuals can secure a job and earn a good income.

Our $3 billion skills package from last year's Budget has already committed funding for over 50,000 training places with business contributing around a third of the cost, and mentoring support for 12,000 apprentices.

Reform of the VET system

In recent weeks the Government has secured COAG support for a $1.75 billion package to support lasting reforms to the national training system. This is in addition to the base agreement on skills funding with the states and territories worth $7.2 billion.

The reforms now agreed by COAG will:

• skill more Australians through a national training entitlement;
• reduce upfront costs for students through expanded access to HECS style income-contingent loans;
• provide better support for disadvantaged Australians; and
• improve the quality of training.

Driving the agenda

In this Budget, the Government is investing an additional $101 million over four years to support and build on the reform agenda.

Recently qualified tradespeople who want to set up their own business will be eligible for up to $5,000 in business skills training.

The Government is establishing three Australian Skills Centres of Excellence to support innovative teaching and learning methods in the VET sector.

The Government is also providing additional resourcing for the national VET regulator and for the new MySkills website to strengthen the quality of the national training system.