 Educator Academy aimed at attracting, training and supporting more TAFE teachers.){kind=link}
The Victorian Government has announced a new Vocational Education and Training (VET) Educator Academy aimed at attracting, training and supporting more TAFE teachers as part of efforts to address workforce shortages across the vocational education sector.
The academy will be led by Chisholm Institute from its Frankston campus and will serve as a central hub for professional learning, career development and pathways into VET teaching.
Backed by a joint $10 million investment under the National Skills Agreement, the initiative is expected to support more than 4,000 Victorian TAFE educators, school-based VET educators and future practitioners.
The academy will focus on professional development, helping educators maintain current industry knowledge while strengthening teacher retention and creating new pathways into the profession.
The announcement comes as governments continue to expand the national Free TAFE program and respond to demand for skilled workers across a range of industries.
In Victoria, the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment has been offered as a Free TAFE course since 2019, with more than 13,000 people completing the qualification during that time.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the initiative would help build the state’s VET teaching workforce.
“Our TAFE teachers make possible so much for so many, and the VET Educator Academy will help attract more Victorians into the profession, strengthen career pathways and ensure students are prepared for the jobs of the future,” Mr Giles said.
Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks said the academy would support the delivery of vocational education across the state.
“Victoria’s TAFE teachers are training the next generation of tradies, carers, technicians and other skilled workers our economy relies on – this academy will help ensure we have more of them,” Mr Brooks said.
“By creating more pathways into VET teaching and investing in our existing educators, we’re strengthening Victoria’s TAFE network and giving more Victorians the opportunity to gain the skills they need for rewarding careers.”
Jodie Belyea, Member for Dunkley, said the investment would benefit both students and the broader community.
“Having studied at Chisholm TAFE and worked as a TAFE teacher, I understand firsthand the vital role vocational education plays in equipping people with the skills they need for rewarding careers and strengthening Australia’s future workforce,” Ms Belyea said.
“Today’s announcement is about creating more opportunities for local residents and aspiring students across Dunkley to access high-quality training and build a successful career close to home.”
The VET Educator Academy forms part of broader efforts under the National Skills Agreement to strengthen Australia’s vocational education and training workforce while supporting the delivery of Free TAFE across the country.