Agricultural and food manufacturing industry leaders met with Victorian State Ministers today to discuss the sectors’ future training needs.
Minister for Higher Education and Skills Nick Wakeling said the roundtable showed the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to deliver a training system which was closely aligned to the changing needs of employers and industry.
“Roundtable discussions with peak bodies and employers will ensure our training system is better aligned to industry needs,” he said.
“These partnerships will also assist agricultural and food manufacturing businesses to become more efficient and competitive in the future.”
Victoria’s industry partnership model had led to a record high of 72 per cent of training being in areas of skills shortage or greatest employment growth, Mr Wakeling said.
“Across regional Victoria since 2010, there has been a 47pc increase in enrolments in trades and other high skilled occupations.”
Mr Wakeling said the Coalition Government was investing a $1.2 billion a year in the TAFE and training system.
“The agriculture and food manufacturing industry’s skills needs are becoming increasingly technical and the training system needs to keep pace with new and emerging skills requirements.”
Government subsidised enrolments in agriculture and food manufacturing courses have increased by 58pc between mid-year 2010 and 2014.
Mr Wakeling said the Napthine Government was helping Victoria’s agricultural industry to harness growth opportunities through the $35.4 million Food to Asia Action Plan.
“This investment will drive long-term growth in agriculture and food manufacturing as demand from Asia for quality Victorian produce and food products grows.”
