WorkReady

In reply to the Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (1 July 2015).

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): I am advised:

WorkReady purchases publicly subsidised training places not jobs. The 18 different occupational groups covered by the Agriculture Horticulture Conservation and Land Management (AHC) training package continues to be supported by WorkReady to meet labour market need in the agricultural sector.

All 43 courses subsidised under Skills for All remain on the Subsidised Training List.

In addition to those already in training, approximately 5,600, and the nearly 3,000 recent graduates, more than 700 new subsidised training places have been allocated to the AHC Training Package in the initial six month funding period under WorkReady.

Importantly modelling undertaken by the Training and Skills Commission suggests that the current levels of training for the sector are sufficient to meet employer demand for skilled labour.

Five of the 43 courses including the identified industry entry level courses of Certificate II in Agriculture and the Certificate II in Horticulture are available for private providers to compete for students, through the Training Guarantee for SACE Students (TGSS) and School Based Training Contracts.

Funding may also be available through the WorkReady Jobs First funding approach.

In relation to the honourable member’s statement referencing Mount Gambier I can advise that the WorkReady Subsidised Training List does not include any information on which regions courses will be delivered in.

TAFE SA has advised that delivery occurs not only on campuses, but in a wide range of locations across the whole state, from far north pastoral properties and APY communities, the Riverland, South East, and Kangaroo Island. Delivery sites include on-farm training, shearing sheds, community centres and regional area schools. Training can be delivered through a mix of face-to-face and online models, delivered in intensive workshops or over the course of a longer period.