Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff must explain why the number of hospitality students enrolled at Drysdale this year is in freefall.
Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Rebecca White, said the tourism industry relied on a strong flow of skilled local workers.
“Labor understands that there is a near-record low number of enrolments at Drysdale this year at a time when the industry is booming,” Ms White said.
“Drysdale should be over-flowing with Tasmanians who could be skilled up for long-term careers right here in Tasmania.
“Any drop off in enrollments would have significant knock-on effects for tourism businesses, who may have to look further afield if there aren’t enough qualified Tasmanians to fill jobs.
“Under the Liberals 2000 apprenticeships have gone in Tasmania.
“Seven-hundred of those apprenticeships have gone from Braddon, where Labor’s Tourism, Hospitality, Festivals, Heritage and the Arts Industry Advisory Council (IAC) is meeting today.
“Our IACs are focused on the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Tasmania’s economy and our people, including education and training.
“Tasmanian businesses are telling us more needs to be done to match skills shortages with the education and training being offered to Tasmanians.
“In recent weeks Labor has demanded answers from Minister Rockliff for his failings in TAFE, including plumbing and electro-technical apprentices having their courses deferred and a cloud over nursing qualifications.
“Minister Rockliff needs to explain today why Drysdale enrolments have been allowed to freefall on his watch.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
