The 2024 Western Australian Government budget’s approach to skills training funding is a model that other states and territories could follow, according to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.
“The extra $22 million for students to study with quality independent training providers is not only an investment in student choice but an endorsement of the critical role that ITECA Western Australian members play in the state’s skills training system,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
While other states and territory governments provide funding for students to study with quality independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), in recent years, few jurisdictions have provided a funding boost of this nature that supports students.
“In this budget, the Western Australian Government has shown leadership that promotes student choice in skills funding. It’s one that we invite other state and territory governments to follow,” Mr Williams said.
According to ITECA Western Australia, the funding boost represents the mature approach of the state government to skills training, one that recognises the complementarity of quality independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges.
“ITECA Western Australia is a strong proponent of student choice in skills training where the Western Australian Government backs the decision of students to study with the provider that’s best able to help them achieve their life and career goals, whether this is an independent RTO or a public TAFE college. This budget is a great step in that direction,” Mr Williams said.
Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows the critical contribution of independent RTOs to skilling, upskilling and reskilling Western Australia. Across the state, 94.8% of the 411,950 student enrolments in skills training are with independent RTOs.
“Across the state, ITECA Western Australia’s members deliver programs in critical areas such as mining, construction, health, plus transport and logistics. It’s great to see the Western Australian Government support these students with additional funding,” Mr Williams said.
In a related move, ITECA Western Australia has endorsed the Western Australian Government’s bid for the national Clean Energy National Centre of Excellence to boost skills training in this critical area.
