A $16 million VET Market Continuity Package will support non-government training providers in their critical role of meeting the skills needs of the state, to adapt and remain viable as the impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve.
“This new financial support will allow more than 100 contracted Registered Training Organisations, together with TAFE SA, to continue to deliver skills to almost 48,000 students across the state,” Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said.
“As with most small and medium sized businesses over recent weeks, training providers have been impacted by COVID-19, with employers winding down or closing, supply chains interrupted and students and teaching professionals needing to change the way they engage, while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
“The Marshall Government continues to build a strong vocational education and training sector, and that is why we are rolling out additional funding support under the VET Market Continuity Package effective April 2020.”
Two measures are in place for training providers that have existing contracts with the State Government:
- A $4 million investment that enables training providers to put in place delivery modes and technology to support training, students and employers
- Continuity of subsidy payments at pre-COVID activity levels for a period of three months until June 2020, after which payments will be reviewed.
“This investment further supports training provider continuity so that South Australia’s training system is positioned to meet the challenges over the coming months, and better able to rebuild in the future,” Minister Pisoni said.
“There are significant opportunities for students, job seekers and communities to gain new skills and re-skill as we navigate unprecedented circumstances and the VET sector has a momentous role in training for industry and job-seeker transitions.
“Demand in areas such as social care (aged and disability), health, transport and logistics will be supported by a VET market that is ready to respond.”
Training providers will be contacted directly by the Department for Innovation and Skills with further information about these measures.
The VET Market Continuity Package is in addition to the State and Federal Governments’ stimulus and support packages previously announced, including a $1 billion South Australian Jobs Rescue Package and the more than $200 billion Australian Government package for businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees.
This is part of the Marshall Government’s strong plan which is being swiftly implemented to protect South Australians from the economic and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.