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Media Centre$351 MILLION TO HELP YOUNG AUSTRALIANS INTO TRADITIONAL TRADES10 May 2005 MINBUD 06/05 Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, Gary Hardgrave today said the Australian Government would invest $351 million over the next five years from 2004-05 to 2008-09 to assist more young Australians into traditional trades through establishment of twenty four Australian Technical Colleges. "This investment highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to building a nation in which high quality technical education is as valued as a university qualification," Mr Hardgrave said. "Some 70 per cent of young people do not go directly from school to university and many choose to undertake vocational and technical education and New Apprenticeships. The Australian Government values and respects these choices. "The Government is also determined to ensure that the choice to enter a trade is valued by a young person’s peers and the broader community. The Government is achieving this by working to turn around cultural attitudes especially among young people in relation to the traditional trades. "A key part of this approach lies with the establishment of the Australian Technical Colleges which will promote pride and excellence in the acquisition of trade skills." Mr Hardgrave said each College will be run independently in a way that promotes choice, flexibility and excellence. "What will set these Colleges apart from most existing schools is that local industry and community representatives will take a lead role in the governance of each of the Colleges. This will ensure that the Technical Colleges are linked with local industry and will respond to local skill needs," Mr Hardgrave said. "The Australian Technical Colleges will provide young Australians with the opportunity to commence their training in a traditional trade through a School-Based New Apprenticeship while at the same time completing academic subjects leading to a Year 12 certificate. The Australian Technical Colleges will be established in 24 identified regions. Some of the colleges will be up and running by the start of the 2006 school year, with all 24 colleges opening their doors by no later than 2008. The Request for Proposal was advertised on 30 March 2005 and will close on 20 May 2005. Request for Proposal documentation is available at http://www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au/rfp.htm
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