VET News

Target Measures Set to Support Education for Young Australians

The 2021-22 Budget includes targeted measures to educate young Australians, encourage them into work and support their mental health.  With more than 3.2 million young Australians who will benefit from billions of dollars of additional support in this budget, Minister for Education and Youth, the Hon. Alan Tudge, said support for young Australians would continue to be a focus for the government as the COVID-19 economic recovery continues.

“We are backing young Australians with guaranteed Commonwealth funding for all stages of education, from preschool right through to higher education and extra support to get them into work.” Minister Tudge said. “Young Australians have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and we want them to be front and centre of our economic and social recovery."

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon. Stuart Robert, said businesses will continue to receive direct support to help young Australians kick-start their careers.

“Our Budget commits more than $2.7 billion to boosting apprenticeship commencements, as we look to continue our partnership with the states and territories to provide low-fee and fee-free training places in areas of need.” Minister Robert said. “By extending and expanding our support for apprenticeship commencements, we are ensuring that young Australians are able to learn new skills and find sustainable employment that will help drive our continued economic recovery.”

The 2021/22 budget was announced as we approached the opening of National Careers Weekwhich is now upon us and running from 17-23 May.

Organised by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) in partnership with the National Careers Institute (NCI), National Careers Week recognises the journey of career development and the dedication of practitioners, with engaging events to be held across the country.

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, the Hon. Luke Howarth, said that Vocational Education and Training (VET) equips people with job-ready skills to prepare them for their future career.

‘It’s never too early or late to start thinking about your career, and what you want to do.’ Assistant Minister Howarth said. ‘VET pathways are flexible, and a great way to secure your future with skills and qualifications recognised nationally.’

Access full Ministers' Media Centre Release here.

Date posted May 20, 2021