The Victorian Labor government has revised two key grant programs to better help disadvantaged learners and support the industry in finding the workers they need.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the amendments to the Regional and Specialist Training Fund (RSTF) and Workforce Training and Innovation Fund (WTIF) guidelines, which are intended to ensure a better alignment of growth opportunities and skills needed for the state’s economy.
“Working shoulder to shoulder across industry, unions, training providers and government will mean we can work with one purpose in mind – a high quality, accessible training system that delivers what students and employers need,” Tierney said.
The RSTF is designed to allow training providers to address specific training gaps in regional areas by providing financial support to deliver courses. Under the amendments to the program, all Victorian training providers with a Skills First VET Funding Contract can apply for funding.
The WTIF delivers funding for projects that seek to make the training and TAFE system more effective in meeting industry skill needs in areas of the Victorian Labor Government’s economic growth priorities. Under the new guidelines, TAFES, RTOS, industry, and employers will be enabled to apply for funding.
“It’s only a Labor Government that will build a world-class TAFE system, helping to boost our workforce and to get Victorians the skills and training they need,” Tierney said.
The government has implemented a new streamlined grant process that will make it easier for applicants and provide them with better up-front guidance on priorities, with areas of critical need aligned closely with the recently released Victorian Skills Plan.
Both programs will be open for applications three times a year, with the next rounds running from 21 September to 28 October.
