VET News

Budget 2023-2024: A Better Trained Workforce

The following key areas were outlined in the recent 2023-2024 Budget with intentions to provide Australia with a better trained workforce:

A modern, responsive vocational training sector with TAFE at the heart

• The Government is negotiating with the states and territories on a new 5‑year National Skills Agreement to commence from 1 January 2024.
• The Government will also fund a further 300,000 TAFE and vocational education training places to become fee‑free.

The new Agreement presents an opportunity to jointly set strategic priorities for our VET system, boost productivity, support gender equality and close the gap for First Nations Australians.

Targeted support for apprentices

The Government is redesigning Australian Apprenticeship Support Services to improve apprenticeship career pathways and provide more support for completions.

A re‑designed program model will assess the needs of every apprentice to support their success, help remove barriers for women in male‑dominated trades and strengthen support for First Nations apprentices, apprentices with disability and those in remote areas.

Reinvigorating foundation skills programs

The Government is expanding access to foundation skills training and supporting community‑based and culturally safe pathways to training.

More Australians will be able to develop the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills they need to participate successfully in work, education and the community.

Tackling gender inequality in the apprenticeship system

The Guarantee will set national targets for apprentices plus specific targets for women apprentices and trainees on major Government‑funded construction and ICT projects. These targets will aim to double women in apprenticeship and traineeship roles in construction projects and triple trade apprenticeship roles by 2030.

Access further information via the links below:

• Growing the economy - Budget 2023-2024
• 2023-2024 May Budget - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
• 2023-2024 Portfolio Budget Statements - Department of Education

Date posted May 18, 2023