October 2011     Schools in disadvantaged communities or with a large number of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds will receive priority funding under the next round of Trade Training Centres (TTCs), says Minister for School Education Peter Garrett.

Mr Garrett said around $150 million funding under the fourth round of TTCs will be used to build new training centres in about 130 high schools across the country.

“The Government is investing $2.5 billion over 10 years to provide access to industry-standard training centres for every senior high school student in the country, helping improve Year 12 retention rates and providing high quality vocational training,” Mr Garrett said.

“We’ve already announced funding of more than $1 billion for 288 TTCs benefitting more than 900 schools, and this new round of funding means even greater numbers of students will have access to vocational education while still in school."

State-based education authorities will work with their schools to develop sector-wide plans setting out which schools, or clusters of schools will be prioritised for funding based on need, as well as individual project proposals for each TTC. The education authorities will then work with the Federal Education Department to ensure the plans meet the program requirements, before they are approved by the Australian Government.

Mr Garrett said state education authorities will be required to prioritise projects so the ongoing rollout of TTCs will target schools with the greatest socio-economic disadvantage, with an emphasis on remote schools.

“The plans should also take into account other factors such as existing vocational training opportunities, current year 12 retention rates, potential links between schools and local industries, and responding to local and national skills and labour needs,” he said.

“Education authorities will work with successful schools, local businesses and the community to develop and implement the individual project plans.  We’re also expanding the list of eligible qualifications that can be delivered by TTCs to help meet local industry demands, including qualifications in the resources, aged care and allied health industries."

Trade Training Centres will ensure that students have access to the best quality vocational education, helping them pursue a career in a trade or industry and encouraging them to stay in school. 

For more information on the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program and Round Four visit www.tradetrainingcentres.deewr.gov.au.

From information provided by the Minister for School Education, 29 September 2011.

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