VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:57): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills. Can he inform the house about the assistance to South Australians who are or have been under the guardianship of the minister with regard to entering vocational education and training?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Recreation and Sport) (14:57): I thank very much the member for Ashford for this question. She is a constant advocate for those under the guardianship of the minister and their need for training and education. She is very energetic in pursuing that interest.

The state government's Skills for All reforms aim to increase skill levels, lift workplace participation and increase productivity by offering training for existing workers and those trying to break into the workforce. Today I am pleased to announce several measures we are taking to make it easier for South Australians who have been in state care to get into training and find a job.

People under these orders are often among the most disadvantaged in our community. Their experiences and instability in childhood can often result in lower educational qualifications forming a persistent barrier to participating in the workforce throughout their adult lives. We anticipate that about 120 people a year who are or have been in state care will now be able to take up vocational education and training courses due to the easing of restrictions, and that is more than double the number of people who in the past have accessed this training.

The free courses were previously offered only through TAFE SA but are now being offered through any registered training organisation that has qualified as a Skills for All provider. Previously, the fee waiver policy for students contained restrictions depending on age, the type of order, the qualification levels and the number of training courses.

For example, fee waivers were previously only available to those who were under orders until 18 years of age and not those who were under the guardianship of the minister for under 12 months. Free courses will now be offered to both groups. Up until now there has been an age limit cut-off of 25 years for the free courses. This has been removed and anyone who has previously been under the guardianship of the minister is now eligible. Previously, they could access a maximum of two free courses and this is now unlimited.

The state government acknowledges that people under the guardianship of the minister often need greater support to participate in learning and to complete a qualification. Learner Support Services are currently being trialled in TAFE and expanded to a number of Skills for All providers, with priority access being granted for people who are or have been under the guardianship of the minister.

Education is a powerful tool for transforming lives, and ensuring all South Australians can have this opportunity is incredibly important. This is about ensuring that people have every opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of an individual's circumstances, background or family history. Removing the cost barrier for these people means that they have the opportunity and the support to undertake further training because costs of the courses are not an issue. I am extremely optimistic that those South Australians who are or have been under a guardianship order will take up these opportunities providing a pathway to learning and skills development, a pathway to satisfying employment, a pathway to a successful career, and a pathway to a brighter future.