Ongoing staffing issues at TasTAFE are impacting on the careers of Tasmania’s young apprentices.
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills, Michelle O’Byrne, said despite assurances from the government, young apprentices continue to experience problems with the training component of their apprenticeships due to a lack of staff at TasTAFE.
“Liam King from Launceston is just one young plumbing apprentice whose career has been impacted by the ongoing instability at TasTAFE,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“TasTAFE was unable to provide Liam with the required training in his first year and as a result, he has now been told that his apprenticeship will need to be extended by six months.
“This means another six months on an apprenticeship wage instead of a tradesman wage and also means Liam’s training and career aspirations for the future are also delayed.
“I understand that these issues aren’t just affecting plumbing apprenticeships and Tasmania’s young apprentices should not be penalised for the ongoing staffing and other problems at TasTAFE.
“This government is denying Tasmanians the opportunity to become skilled through the public trainer – they are denying Tasmanians a pathway to jobs.
“Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff must intervene in this mess and get this important training facility back on track.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills
