No. 24 
Additional $12.5 million for skilling the ACT

The ACT Government is continuing to invest in strengthening the ACT workforce and reducing skills shortages as part of the 2010-11 Budget.

Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, said the Government was investing more than $9 million over three years in additional funding for the Productivity Places Program (PPP) to build the skills of existing workers and strengthen the ACT workforce, as well as $3.5 million in additional funding for the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).

“The Productivity Places Program is part of the Commonwealth Government’s Skilling Australia for the Future Initiative and aims to reduce skills shortages and increase the productivity of industry and local business,” Mr Barr said.

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring workers continue to improve their skills throughout their working life. Having a highly skilled workforce, particularly in areas of recognised skill shortage, makes a significant contribution to the ongoing social and economic life of the ACT.

“The $9 million in funding is expected to allow more than 4,800 existing local workers to extend and enhance their skills leading to a dynamic and highly skilled workforce. It will also allow workers, including casual workers, to progress in their chosen careers by having updated and increased skill training.

“Workers can improve their skills and receive qualifications in areas and professions such as aged care, disability, children’s services, building and construction, government, hospitality and youth work. Qualifications can range from a 
Certificate III to an Advanced Diploma level.”

Mr Barr said the Government was also continuing its investment in the CIT with $3.2 million over four years for the new CIT Learning Centre in Gungahlin College, and $250,000 to investigate a new learning centre in Tuggeranong. 

“The CIT is the major provider of vocational education and training for Canberra’s students, as well as many students from interstate and overseas,” Mr Barr said.

“The ACT Government is continuing its investment in the CIT by expanding its presence into Gungahlin, and investigating an expansion in Tuggeranong.

“This Government is committed to building strong foundations to support a productive workforce to help drive our economy into the future,” Mr Barr said.

4 May 2010
Media contact:		Paul Kindermann	6205 1690 (w)	0403 600 955 (m)
			paul.kindermann@act.gov.au