The union representing over 17,000 principals, teachers and staff across Queensland and Northern Territory non-government schools has called for urgent improvement to the wages and working conditions of staff employed in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
It comes as the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training released its report yesterday (25 March 2024) following an inquiry into the perceptions and status of VET.
Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the report’s recommendations do not address the VET sector's abysmal pay and working conditions.
“The lack of professional pay rates and poor working conditions are directly leading to staff leaving the sector in droves,” Mr Burke said.
“Money needs to be invested in improving the wages and conditions of staff.
“Otherwise, VET students will continue to be disappointed by the quality of education and training offered by providers – with profit their only commitment to the sector.
“A high-quality or sustainable VET sector that meets the contemporary needs of students and broader society will not exist until pay and conditions for those working in VET colleges are overhauled,” he said.
About us:
The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals, early childhood education and VET and RTO employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory. www.ieuqnt.org.au
Contact details:
Contact: Laura Wise, IEU-QNT Communications Manager - [email protected] / 0419 653 131