The TAFE and training sector is giving Victorians the skills they need to take up jobs in the booming mining industry.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited Ballarat Goldmine, part of an industry which enjoyed a 41 per cent rise in employment last year and now supports 16,000 jobs across the state.

Minister Tierney met with Laura Moneghetti, an apprentice who has kick-started her career with Free TAFE.

Ms Moneghetti completed a three-month pre-apprenticeship course – the Certificate II in Electrotechnology – at Federation TAFE this year, topping her class.

Federation TAFE recommended her for an electrical apprenticeship job at the Goldmine, where she now works.

Ms Moneghetti, who is employed by Ballarat Group Training, is one of a host of entrants to the industry who have undergone government-supported training.

More than 400 people have enrolled in mining-related courses in Ballarat, Holmesglen Institute and Box Hill Institute in recent years.

In addition, Federation University Australia researchers at Gippsland and Ballarat are supporting the economic and social transition of Australian mining communities as part of a new national Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Since 2015, the Victorian Government has committed more than $1.5 billion to rebuild our TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney:

“This is another great example of how TAFE and training is delivering great outcomes for
Victorian students, industry and economy by matching the skills being taught with the skills being sought.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Julianna Addison

“More than ever, the skills we need to build our state and grow our economy are being learned at TAFE.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Free TAFE is changing lives right here in Ballarat and across Victoria.”