GOVERNMENT BOOST FOR TAFE

Australia's TAFE Institutes have welcomed the funding boost for the Education Investment Fund (EIF), and widening structural adjustment funding to all Higher Education providers, in the 2009 Federal Budget. Extra sustainability funding in the new 'Green Skills' pledges will also motivate TAFE Institutes to further strengthen sustainability training and skills for traditional and wider skill areas. Streamlining proposed to Australian Apprenticeship funding, along with new 'Tools for Trade' apprenticeship funding will also be welcome. The Government's retention of pre-apprenticeship programs was also pleasing.