Media Brief --
The Victorian Government’s recent announcement about changes to skills training funding for 2025 will have far-reaching consequences for independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and the students they serve.
The reductions to student skills training funding, job losses and reduced educational opportunities threaten both the livelihoods of education professionals and the aspirations of thousands of students.
This media brief outlines the key impacts of these changes, focusing on the accessibility of training for students across the state and the impacts on independent RTOs and the job security of their staff.
Download --
A comprehensive overview of the impact of the Victorian Government's cuts to skills training funding is available in the attached briefing document.
Attributable Quotes --
The following quotes can be attributed to Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive:
“While the government frames these adjustments as aligning training delivery with priority workforce needs, the reality is that the cuts disproportionately students wishing to study with independent RTOs operating in metropolitan Melbourne,”
“Independent RTOs are being pushed to the brink, with the Victorian Government’s cuts to skills funding forcing staff cuts. These devastating changes, set to take effect in January 2025, mean job losses could hit hard just before Christmas, leaving employees and their families facing an uncertain future,”
“The government’s rationale for these funding changes is completely disconnected from the real needs of students, employers, and the operational dynamics of Victoria’s skills training sector. Independent RTOs, which consistently deliver high-quality outcomes, are being penalised in a move that ignores the broader workforce demands and the flexibility students and employers rely on,”
“Independent RTOs consistently outperform TAFEs in student satisfaction and qualification completion rates, The cuts undermine a sector that is proven to deliver high-quality outcomes,”
“The Victorian Government needs to put students at the heart of a high perfoming skills training system, where they have the ability to study with independent RTOs or a public TAFE college,”
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Download the attached brief for further information.
Key Facts:
The Victorian Government has reduced subsidies by 35% for training delivered by independent RTOs in metropolitan Melbourne for approximately 200 programs.
There have been 91 programs dropped from the Training Needs List (refer Attachment), meaning many students will be unable to access a government-funded skills training place.
Many independent RTOs will face unsustainable financial pressures, forcing staff reductions or closure of entire programs. These cuts are expected to take effect from January 2025, with job losses likely to occur before the Christmas break, creating a devastating impact on affected employees and their families.
About us:
ITECA Introduction: Formed in 1992, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.
Contact details:
Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive
e: troy.williams@iteca.edu.au
m: 0400 599 934
