Greens MP Colleen Hartland last week the launched the ‘Rescue TAFE in the West’ report in an effort to help re-skill workers in the West who have lost their jobs recently.
The Greens have urged the State Government to raise TAFE funding in the West to provide re-skilling opportunities to the thousands of employees who have lost jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“With the loss of many manufacturing jobs in the western suburbs, we need our public TAFEs to provide re-skilling opportunities more than ever,” said Colleen Hartland.According to a 2013 report from the Victorian TAFE Association, Victoria University has made almost 100 staff redundant and cut several courses due to State Government funding cuts.
“It is heartless and wrong-headed to cut $40 million per annum from Victoria University when there is such great need for quality re-skilling opportunities in the West,” Ms Hartland said.
“This is the equal highest cut to any TAFE in Victoria.
“The academic year is beginning and we know that many people are missing out on TAFE education opportunities as a result of the government’s cuts.
“This report has found that enrolled students are doing it tough as they struggle with the everyday cost of basics such as food and transport and they are concerned about accumulating debt and the state of their finances.
“Students reported sacrificing meals, taking on increased work-loads, and not keeping up with rent and bills.”
Ms Hartland said some students have also indicated they are being enticed to study at private colleges which are able to undercut TAFEs by providing lower fees.
“Investing in TAFE in the western suburbs is essential for people to move into skilled employment,” Ms Hartland said.
