|
|
 |
Media Release
MINISTER SIGNS FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN TECHNICAL COLLEGE - PILBARA
January 18, 2007
The Australian Government’s $343 million Australian Technical College initiative continues to gather steam, with the Australian Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, today signing a $23.5 million funding agreement to establish the Australian Technical College – Pilbara in Western Australia.
Mr Hardgrave attended the signing at the Pilbara Iron Training Centre in Dampier, along with Federal Member for Kalgoorlie Barry Haase MP and members of the consortium that will operate the Australian Technical College (ATC).
This agreement is the 21st Funding Agreement to be signed, providing opportunities for young people to attend Australian Technical Colleges across the nation. A forecast 2000 students are gearing up to study and train in Australian Technical Colleges in 2007.
This Australian Technical College is strategically placed in Western Australia’s mining heartland and economic engine room to ensure that future skill needs for iconic mining giants such as BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, Pilbara Iron (Rio Tinto Group) and Woodside Energy Pty Ltd can be met.
These corporations have been instrumental in working with the Australian Government and the local community in establishing the Australian Technical College - Pilbara, which is also uniquely placed to expand the opportunities of many young indigenous students in this geographically isolated region.
The College, expected to open in July, will give Year 11 and 12 students in the region the opportunity to complete their academic studies while training in a traditional trade in demand in the Pilbara.
Reg Howard-Smith, director of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the interim ATC Authority, has worked with a business-led consortium to develop a business plan to establish and operate the Australian Technical College in the Pilbara region.
The College will operate in partnership with existing Pilbara schools and training facilities in South Hedland, Karratha, Roebourne, Onslow, Tom Price and Newman.
“This Australian Technical College will provide the Pilbara community with a first-class educational institution that will help meet the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople in the Pilbara region,” Mr Hardgrave said.
“It will also provide young people, particularly indigenous youth in the region, with an opportunity to commence an Australian Apprenticeship in a traditional trade, while undertaking years 11 and 12 of their Western Australian Certificate of Education.”
The industry-led Governing Body will ensure that the College responds directly to the needs of local industry within the region.
The Australian Technical College - Pilbara will offer training in the Metals and Engineering, Automotive, Building and Construction and Electrotechnology trades at its South Hedland and Karratha campuses. Commercial Cookery will be added to the trades in 2008 with campuses at Onslow and Roebourne also expected to open at that time.
Mr Haase said: “It is very satisfying to have secured this College for the Pilbara. I have been a strong supporter of its establishment to ensure young Australians in the regional centres of Hedland, Onslow, Roebourne and Karratha have access to as many opportunities as possible.”
“A technical education is as important and valuable as a university degree – especially now, with the current high demand for skilled trade employees in the Pilbara.”
“Through this initiative the Australian Government is making an important investment in the Pilbara’s people and businesses,” Mr Hardgrave said.
The Australian Government is providing $343.6 million over five years to 2009 to establish and operate 25 Australian Technical Colleges across Australia. Five Australian Technical Colleges opened in 2006, and a further 16, including the Australian Technical College – Pilbara, are expected to open this year. A further three consortia are in negotiation with expectations of Colleges being operational by next year.
The Australian Government is delivering a range of initiatives through to 2010 as part of its $11.3 billion investment in Australia’s future – the biggest commitment to vocational and technical education by any government in Australia’s history, which includes:
- $781 million over 5 years from the Skills For The Future package which is 93% of the total funding;
- Helping to ease the early financial burden on apprentices by providing apprentices starting an eligible apprenticeship with a tool kit worth up to $800;
- A $1000 Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship with $500 paid at the successful completion of each of the first and second years of their apprenticeship in an eligible trade with a small or medium size business;
- Extending the Living Away From Home Allowance to third-year apprentices who have moved away from home to take up or remain in an apprenticeship; and
- $10.6 million over four years to extend incentives for employers of higher level apprentices in key growth areas.
Minister Hardgrave’s Media Adviser: Nikki Voss 0402 896 100
Dept of Education, Science and Training: Media Unit 02 6240 7300
Non media queries 1300 363 079
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy Statement
|
