SEMMA says training cuts ‘sensless’

The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has labelled funding cuts to RTO operators in Victoria as ‘senseless’.

The comment follows confirmation that despite holding a contract in 2023, 22 RTOs across the state did not secure a Skills First contract offer for 2024.

SEMMA CEO Honi Walker said: “It’s hard to understand why the policy makers think cutting funding during a skills crisis will help fill skilled roles or upskill people who are desperately needed in the manufacturing and building trades.

“…This defies the government’s own recent Skills First program that clearly outlines the industries that are considered priorities. It makes no sense.”

Victorian manufacturers are facing skills shortages such as welders, CNC machine operators and engineers.

“We have been telling the government that these shortages will severely impact their proposed renewables sector growth as well as their housing plan.

“It is just not feasible to think reducing the number of training courses won’t negatively impact the number of trainees.

“Some people don’t enjoy the TAFE experience and prefer an RTO instead. ”

Shadow Minister for Skills and Training Bridget Vallence said: “Labor is now axing funding from many Victorian training organisations, making it harder for young people to gain the skills they need.

“More training organisations are coming forward with stories of these significant cuts and how they will have detrimental and long-term impacts for many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and early childhood education.

“With Victoria facing widespread skills shortages, it makes no sense for Labor to axe training to a number of RTOs when Victoria is already the lowest funded for vocational education and training in the country.”

Picture: Honi Walker