THE number of Victorians studying to be fitness instructors, sales assistants and hospitality workers has slumped as much as 70 per cent. Subsidy cuts to “ low-need” courses are being blamed for the drop-off.
More people are studying in areas of shortage such as health and construction, however. And the State Government has vowed to continue to encourage people into careers where they are more needed.
Education Department figures, released today, show government-subsidised enrolments for sales assistant courses took a huge hit in the past three years — down 71 per cent.
Enrolments for those wanting to be a fitness instructor or waiter more than halved.
Higher Education and Skills Minister Nick Wakeling said the figures showed recent subsidy reforms, which favour courses deemed most beneficial to the economy, were working.
“We want more students trained in courses that actually lead to a job outcome,’’ Mr Wakeling said.
“That’s what participants would be expecting, that’s what parents would be expecting but more importantly that’s what the Victorian community would be expecting.”
Courses addressing skills shortages and job needs now account for 69 per cent of all government-funded enrolments, up from 49 per cent in the first half of 2012.
Healthcare, construction, transport and manufacturing courses all gained favour.
Overall government-subsidised enrolments fell about 4 per cent to 645,000 places between 2012 and last year.
Subsidised places at TAFE dropped 3 per cent in the period while those at private providers rose slightly.
There are a fifth fewer registered training organisations than in 2011 as the Government tightens the screws on funding requirements.
Mr Wakeling said the drive for efficiency would continue despite several providers launching legal action over subsidy cuts.
http://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/fitness-sales-assistant-and-hospitality-courses-fall-out-of-favour/story-fnii5sms-1226871287170
More people are studying in areas of shortage such as health and construction, however. And the State Government has vowed to continue to encourage people into careers where they are more needed.
Education Department figures, released today, show government-subsidised enrolments for sales assistant courses took a huge hit in the past three years — down 71 per cent.
Enrolments for those wanting to be a fitness instructor or waiter more than halved.
Higher Education and Skills Minister Nick Wakeling said the figures showed recent subsidy reforms, which favour courses deemed most beneficial to the economy, were working.
“We want more students trained in courses that actually lead to a job outcome,’’ Mr Wakeling said.
“That’s what participants would be expecting, that’s what parents would be expecting but more importantly that’s what the Victorian community would be expecting.”
Courses addressing skills shortages and job needs now account for 69 per cent of all government-funded enrolments, up from 49 per cent in the first half of 2012.
Healthcare, construction, transport and manufacturing courses all gained favour.
Overall government-subsidised enrolments fell about 4 per cent to 645,000 places between 2012 and last year.
Subsidised places at TAFE dropped 3 per cent in the period while those at private providers rose slightly.
There are a fifth fewer registered training organisations than in 2011 as the Government tightens the screws on funding requirements.
Mr Wakeling said the drive for efficiency would continue despite several providers launching legal action over subsidy cuts.
http://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/fitness-sales-assistant-and-hospitality-courses-fall-out-of-favour/story-fnii5sms-1226871287170
