Will Hodgman is failing to invest in TAFE and as
a result, TAFE is failing young Tasmanians who are trying to get a job.
Last month, students in Information Technology
Cert IV in Launceston were told their course was being postponed until next
year.
This year 100 Tasmanians applied to study
Construction Cert II but only 12 were accepted due to a lack of teachers.
Students who were excluded from the construction
course were advised to look at other courses, including plumbing and
electrotechnology – but neither of these courses are being offered this year.
Shadow TAFE, University and Skills Minister
Michelle O’Byrne said Will Hodgman had failed to stand up for TAFE and
Tasmanian students.
“Will Hodgman’s only plan for TAFE is to offer
fewer courses with fewer teachers,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“He has never believed in TAFE and he never
will.
“The Minority Liberal Government has broken our
TAFE system, with more than 2000 apprenticeships lost while Will Hodgman has
been Premier.
“We gave him the opportunity today to work with Labor to offer free TAFE courses in key sectors such as disability and aged care, building and construction, and tourism – but Mr Hodgman again failed to stand up for our training sector.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow TAFE, University and Skills Minister