MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — This morning I launched a new, united TAFE Victoria brand. It is a new initiative that will position TAFE as delivering modern, contemporary qualifications that are available to all Victorians. This will enable TAFE institutes to retain their individual appeal so they can increase the effectiveness and range of their own particular marketing agendas. In front of fellow MPs, TAFE CEOs, industry stakeholders and past TAFE students, I launched the TAFE advertising campaign that will roll out across our TV screens, at public transport shelters and online from next week.
The ‘TAFE will take you there’ campaign, featuring stories of how TAFE can transform lives, is a significant milestone in the investment to make Victoria the education state. ‘TAFE will take you there’ tells the stories of everyday Victorians who have gained skills and qualifications at TAFE and gone on to run successful businesses, work internationally and have a range of fulfilling careers. Key to the campaign will be our TAFE Victoria ambassadors, who will tell their stories of success thanks to a TAFE education, in turn inspiring others to take the same journey. It is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to restoring confidence in TAFE and ensuring jobs for all Victorians well into the future.
With the introduction of Skills First last month, the Victorian government is putting the state’s 12 TAFE institutes and four dual-sector universities at the centre of the government-funded training system, setting the quality benchmark, fostering the skills students need to be job ready and driving productivity improvements. I encourage everyone to jump onto the tafe.vic.gov.au website, which lists all the TAFE courses in the one place. I encourage all Victorians to check out what is on offer at their nearest TAFE and sign up for a bright new future. This government makes no apologies for supporting TAFE. It is the engine room for jobs in this state.