Vocational Education and Training

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:44): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills. Can the minister advise the house if 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. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:44): In terms of the specific qualifications, I just do not have that level of detail here but, in terms of the principles of the TGSS system, we have consulted extensively with DECS and providers to ensure that the priority qualifications and curriculum remain in place. There are subsidised training places available and, as I said, we have consulted very closely with DECS. Clearly, our SACE programs and those pathways into VET and the pathways from VET into university are a very important part of our training program.