Federal politicians visit Joondalup employers and training providers

FEDERAL politicians met with employers and training providers in Joondalup this week.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews accompanied Moore MHR Ian Goodenough on a tour of North Metropolitan Tafe’s Kendrew Crescent campus in Joondalup on Tuesday.

The pair then joined industry and employment groups including the Tafe, Youth Futures and Apprenticeships Support Network for a discussion at Joondalup’s College of Electrical Training.

Talks centred around the Federal Government’s Skilling Australians Fund, which will provide $1.5 million over the next four years, matched by State governments, for 300,000 additional apprenticeships and traineeships across the country.

Ms Andrews said the fund would provide opportunities for West Australians seeking a new career.

“The Skilling Australians Fund will target growing and emerging industries and occupations to ensure we have the skilled workforce employers need,” she said.

According to Mr Goodenough, WA would be eligible for about $38 million in 2017-18 through the fund.

“I’m confident this will provide a welcome boost to the local economy and deliver valuable opportunities for those looking to start a new career,” he said.

Ms Andrews said the meeting gave stakeholders an opportunity to provide their views on priority occupations and ensure appropriate skills were being developed to meet job vacancies.

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