Apprenticeships and training need Federal funding support
19 March 2001 - The ACTU is called on Federal and State Governments to resolve
differences on growth funding for vocational training and the
future of the ANTA (Australian National Training Authority) agreement.
"The Federal and State governments should jointly fund the growth in
vocational training across Australia. The continued successful
introduction of a range of new training opportunities over the last decade
will be put at risk if sufficient funds are not made available to cater for
the growth in demand for apprenticeships and traineeships," said ACTU
Assistant Secretary Bill Mansfield.
According to Bill Mr Mansfield, in New South Wales alone in 1999 the number of
apprenticeships and traineeships grew by 50%. These increases are likely to
continue but States will not be able to meet demand without federal funding.
"The federal government is a key player in the VET system, it is promoting
higher levels of growth and it must accept a greater part of the financial
burden which results. The ACTU agrees with the Director-General of
Education and Training in NSW Dr. Ken Boston when he said in a recent
(5/3/2001) speech:
'The Commonwealth offer of $20 million growth funding in year one, rising
by $5 million per annum in years two and three won't make a dent in the
rising training demand. In NSW alone, the present state of growth requires
$50 million per year. Nationally, based on ANTA projections, Australia
could require up to $150 million each year. The Commonwealth is prepared
to contribute $20 million rising up to $30 million, to be divided between
six states and two territories. Meanwhile, when it comes to recurrent VET
funding, states and territories contribute four dollars for every
Commonwealth dollar. Of the $3.6 billion in recurrent VET funding that
Australia spends, the Commonwealth contributes $746 million. The states
have not received any growth funding for the last three years, and have
funded additional demand from greater efficiencies. For NSW, this is the
equivalent of an extra $91 million of investment without a commensurate
Commonwealth contribution.'
"The ACTU is calling on the federal government to increase its support for
growth in traineeships and apprenticeships by at least $150 million over
the next three years. This issue deserves attention from the highest level
of government. The Prime Minister should immediately give Minister David
Kemp authority to make a realistic proposal to the States for the Federal
funds necessary to help meet future demand for apprenticeships and
traineeships," said Mr Mansfield.