The Commonwealth Government and the WA State Government have launched the Western Australian JobTrainer Agreement.

An extra $103.4 million is being injected into Western Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector, with $51.7 million from the Commonwealth Government matched dollar-for-dollar by the WA Government.

This will fund free or low-fee training places in Western Australia, with a combination of short and long courses for job seekers, and young people, including school leavers.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the funding will be an important boost to a skills-led recovery in Western Australia.

“JobTrainer will play a central role in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, not just here in Western Australia but right across the nation. I thank the WA State Government for signing up to this important initiative.” Minister Michaelia said.

“The Commonwealth Government has been working closely with jurisdictions to establish the $1 billion JobTrainer Fund, including a $500 million investment from the Australian Government to be matched by the state and territory governments. This will fund up to 340,700 additional free or low-fee training places to help Australians upskill and reskill in areas of demand.” Minister Michaelia said.

Western Australia State Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery MLC, said this is a fantastic result for WA and will ensure more people can upskill and reskill for work.

“We know skills and training will play a crucial role in our State’s economic recovery post COVID-19. Western Australia’s plan is focused on ensuring a diversity of training options linked to jobs growth and investing in apprenticeships and traineeships so we have the skilled workforce for the jobs now and into the future.” Minister Sue said.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the Australian Government is committed to strengthening the VET system to get Australians into work.

“We’re investing $6.5 billion in VET in 2020-21 to provide valuable opportunities and skills to Australians and help drive the nation’s prosperity in the years to come.This includes additional funding under the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy, which has provided more than $500 million to employers across Australia since March this year.” Minister Steve said.

The government has to date assisted 3,684 employers to retain 6,301 apprentices and trainees in Western Australia.

Source: Department of Education, Skills and Employment