- Minister for Training and Skills
More TAFEs and training providers are working closely with industry to create training programs to address skills shortages and develop technology that improves productivity, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced that applications are now open for the next round of grants from the Workforce Training Innovation Fund.
The Workforce Training Innovation Fund, part of the Labor Government’s Skills First initiative, supports training providers and industry partners to harness the latest technologies and approaches so students gain the skills that employers need.
Minister Tierney made the announcement while visiting the first Workforce Training Innovation Fund Showcase, at which several of the cutting-edge projects funded by the Labor Government were on display.
Among these projects was the Virtual Mushroom Picker, which was developed by Costa Group and Melbourne Polytechnic. This project, which received a grant of more than $1.6 million, uses virtual vegetable-picking technologies to allow field workers and trainers to experience work in the field prior to commencing work.
This technology will contribute to increased productivity by reducing worker turnover and workplace injuries, while improving safety and reducing product waste.
The Workforce Training Innovation Fund has provided around $80 million in funding for 52 grant projects over the past year. This year, seed funding of up to $50,000 per project and grant funding of up to $5 million per project is available.
For more information or to apply: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/providers/funding/Pages/wtif.aspx
As noted by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“This is fundamentally an investment in people. We are making sure that workers have the skills they need, and workplaces have the talent and technology they need to run efficiently.”
“Partnerships between training providers and industry leads to an ideal environment for new ideas, new solutions and ultimately, new jobs.”
“The projects on display today show the wonderful work we’re doing to develop innovative, cutting-edge training solutions to meet the needs of students and industry.”
