Students in Ballarat will soon have access to state-of-the-art technology and training to get the skills they need for the jobs they want in the booming IT sector, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and the Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today visited FedUni TAFE’s Mount Helen campus to announce more than $940,000 to support cutting-edge cyber security training and equipment under the Labor Government’s Regional and Specialist Training Fund.

The funding will assist FedUni TAFE to build a dedicated IT laboratory, complete with industry-leading equipment, to create a simulated network environment. This in turn will assist FedUni TAFE to deliver the Certificate IV in Cyber Security.

FedUni TAFE is working with IT companies IBM and CT4 to ensure this course is fit-for-purpose and that graduates have access to cyber security job opportunities with these employers.

The Certificate IV in Cyber Security course has been made tuition-free from 2019 under the Free TAFE program, which has seen more than 19,000 students enrolled in Free TAFE courses, driving a doubling of commencements compared to the same TAFE courses at the same time last year.

The Regional and Specialist Training Fund enables training to be delivered that meet industry-led demand for specific skills in regions, and specialist areas that are not being adequately met in the current training market.

To maintain and grow Victoria’s skills base, the Labor Government is continuing to prioritise TAFE and training in this year’s budget with an investment of $231.1 million. This includes $41.2 million to continue to support the delivery of Free TAFE courses.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE and training system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“We are making sure Ballarat students have access to the equipment and training they need, so they can get jobs in in cyber security and IT.”

“Free TAFE has changed people’s lives. It gives people confidence and new skills. It supports career changes and ensures that local businesses have the workers they need.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Access to cutting edge training and equipment means that FedUni TAFE students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to get jobs in the ever expanding cyber security field.”