University style loans for Vic TAFE
Posted
Updated
Tafe students are worried about the prospect of rising fees. (ABC TV)
The Victorian Government has announced a major shake-up of the TAFE system.
The overhaul will guarantee a place for every worker that wants to upgrade their skills.
The program will give diploma and advanced diploma students access to university-style loans to make study more accessible
The four year, $316-million package will create 172,000 new training places.
The Victorian Premier, John Brumby said there will also be funding for 900 extra teachers.
"This is the largest single investment we've ever made in our VET system," he said.
"We'll be investing now in what will be our next wave of economic growth."
The funding will go to public, private and community training providers and will make high level qualifications more expensive.
Industry groups have welcomed the changes but the National Tertiary Education Union's Matthew McGowan says too much of the funding is going to private training providers.
"As a consequence we will see some TAFEs lose funding in the long term," he said.
