Edition 42, March 2007

Increased funding of $112.6 million for Australian Technical Colleges

A new Bill has been introduced to Parliament which will provide an additional $112.6 million for the Australian Technical College program up until the end of 2009. This additional funding will allow each college to fully establish and implement an operational model that best meets the needs of the region it is established in.

The Australian Government is establishing 25 Australian Technical Colleges across 24 regions to promote teaching and acquiring of trade skills at secondary school level. The colleges allow year 11 and 12 students to undertake an apprenticeship while also completing their secondary school studies.

A funding agreement has recently been signed for the establishment of the Australian Technical College - Pilbara, which is strategically placed in Western Australia's mining heartland, ensuring that future skills needs for the mining industry will be met.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, BHP Billiton, Chevron Australia, the Rio Tinto Group and Woodside Energy have been instrumental in working with the Australian Government and the local community in establishing the college, which is expected to open in July.

For more information on Australian Technical Colleges visit www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au

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