The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has outlined plans to provide vocational students with access to HECS-style loans and training subsidies in selected technical and service sector fields.

 

Ms Gillard said the Commonwealth will negotiate with the states to introduce reforms that would mean:

  • Any student pursuing a VET Diploma or Advanced Diploma would no longer have to pay upfront fees, instead paying HECS-style fees only when they can afford to – saving them thousands of dollars at the time they need it most.
  • Students studying foundation and entry-level courses for technical and service sector careers in areas such as health, business, hospitality, communications, construction, transport and other areas would be guaranteed a government-subsidised training place.

Currently, Diploma and Advanced Diploma students need to pay upfront fees of up to $2500 to commence their studies, and Victoria is the only State which offers income contingent loans to VET students on a widespread basis.

 

Ms Gillard said her government will also seek to introduce a guaranteed entitlement for students to gain skills and achieve a qualification by progressing up to Certificate III level.

 

A national My Skills website will be launched mid-2012, providing an online database to inform students about their training options with information about training providers and courses, training outcomes, fees and other costs.