Vocational Education and Training

Mr PISONI (Unley) (14:41): You caught me off guard, sir—thank you very much. My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Can the minister advise the house whether high school students studying certificate I or II vocational programs as part of their SACE year 11 studies will still have access to funded certificate III programs next year as SACE year 12 students?

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for the Public Sector) (14:41): I welcome the opportunity to elaborate on my answer yesterday. I noticed afterwards that you had asked also about school-based apprenticeships and I neglected to respond to that bit and I also point out that when I talked about certificate II, I intended to say 'and above'—so, also certificate III. Certificate II and certificate III in the high public value areas will be free and any student who wishes to will be able to study the course. School-based apprenticeships will continue also.

Mr PISONI: Sir, my question was about certificate III.

The SPEAKER: Is it a supplementary?

Mr PISONI: Yes, if I may.

The SPEAKER: Provided it is supplementary.