Government Strengthens Commitment To Industry Training
The Government has today strengthened its commitment to industry training by increasing funding for Industry Training
Organisations (ITOs).
“This government has increased funding for ITOs each year since coming into office taking industry training from a
marginal initiative to centre-stage,” said John Blakey, Chairperson of the Industry Training Federation (ITF).
Government funding for industry training will be increased by $14 million dollars over the next four fiscal years
meaning that $88.7 million is available in 2002/2003, up from $78 in the current fiscal year.
Steve Maharey, the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education), also announced changes to the way ITOs are
funded to bring them into line with the rest of the tertiary sector.
“This change in funding policy removes an anomaly that has limited the growth in industry training – growth that is
needed to meet the strong demand for training. It will be crucial however, that ITOs manage growth in a sustainable way
to ensure the quality of training is enhanced and not compromised,” said Mr Blakey.
“Participation in industry training has taken off. We have around 95,000 people involved in industry training from some
21,000 companies – this is a remarkable achievement that relies on a strong and effective partnership between industry
and government,” said Mr Blakey
ENDS