Victorian families can save hundreds of dollars with extra Vocational Education and Training (VET) funding to cover the cost of students’ course materials, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the $120.2 million funding package will ensure schools can cover course materials for students, as well as deliver VET courses in industries linked to workforce shortages like building and construction, electrical and auto engineering.

Until recently, a student wanting to study the Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship) faced costs of up to $587 for course materials.

The funding boost removes barriers for young Victorians wanting to undertake VET studies by reducing out-of-pocket expenses for families. It will also be used for teachers’ professional development.

From the start of this school year, the new VCE Vocational Major will be available in Victorian government schools.

Small regional schools previously unable to offer VET classes will be provided additional funding to make these options possible for students.

The VET funding changes are part of the Labor Government’s $277.5 million investmentinto the senior secondary schooling pathway reformswhich build the aspirations and skills of students to meet the needs of the modern economy.

The investment supports schools to improve access to a core offering of priority VET pathways as well as provide the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate, so every senior secondary student can access quality vocational and applied learning through their local government school.

The reforms give students greater choice and options, allowing them to pursue an education aligned to their strengths, and interests.

The Labor Government is supporting every Victorian student to get the skills they need for the job they want, by investing $315.5 million in senior secondary schooling reforms since 2018 to make sure the final years of secondary school deliver for students no matter what their future goals.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins

“We’re making it even easier for young Victorians to start their dream career by removing the cost of VET course materials.”

“This extra funding will give students better support and flexibility to study what they want to prepare them for the jobs of the future.”

“We’re also investing in delivering VET training for jobs in industries that are suffering major workforce shortages to deliver better outcomes for Victorian students and businesses.”