Media Statement - 4th September 2008
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today announced 15 new projects under the Targeting Skills Needs in Regions program to help address regional workforce needs.
The Targeting Skills Needs in Regions program provides a targeted response to skills shortages, workforce development and training for industries and regions in need.
The new projects will help tackle the workforce needs of high-skill occupations and industries such as water conservation, transport, tourism, mining and allied health.
The Government is working cooperatively with the states and territories to ensure the projects reduce skills shortages and inflation and boost productivity in the target areas.
The Council of Australian Governments established the Targeting Skills Needs in Regions program to supply skilled labour to industries and regions.
In partnership with the states and territories, the Australian Government is finding solutions to labour market needs for industries in regions important to the economy.
The Australian Government allocated $10 million over four years ($2.5 million each year) for projects which are supplemented by the states and territories. Twenty six projects have already been funded under the program.
The Targeting Skills Needs in Regions program is part of the Government’s commitment to building a responsive, skilled and educated workforce.
Click here for a detailed list of the projects and their locations.