Search results

This information package contains the TAFE Directors Australia 2001 position statement, 'Skilling Australians for the future: the role of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in an innovative Australia' and supporting information comprising a media release for the statement and information sheets on the following topics: the value of TAFE; a profile of TAFE students and graduates for 1999-2000; key outcomes for students; and TAFE in regional and remote areas. The position statement calls on government to dramatically increase funding and support for the 72 TAFE Institutes around Australia if the outcomes from vocational education and training (VET) are to be significantly raised. The statement highlights Australia's poor rating of skill base training in comparison with other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, outlines the role of TAFE in providing quality VET in Australia, and the need to re-position the TAFE system to put more emphasis on middle and high level qualifications. The statement also examines the importance of TAFE for regional and remote communities and for disadvantaged groups. It concludes by calling on future governments to: (1) recognise the vital role of TAFE in partnership with industry in skilling the Australian workforce to enable the nation to successfully compete in the knowledge economy; (2) acknowledge that skill formation and upgrading through TAFE plays a significant role in reducing unemployment and building social cohesion; (3) achieve a more balanced approach to VET and the development and implementation of training packages; and (4)commit to an increased national investment in the TAFE sector.