School leavers, local businesses and representative groups are being encouraged to help frame the future of TAFE by joining the conversation and being vocal about their needs and wants.
Local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on these groups to make a stand and get involved so the direction of TAFE reflects local needs rather than those of Brisbane-based decision-makers.
Mr Last says he is concerned young people are choosing to leave the region for study opportunities when they could be receiving them here.
He believes that if more relevant courses were held at the local TAFE more skilled youth would remain in the area.
“When I speak to high school students the vast majority of them tell me they intend to leave the district when they graduate,” Mr Last said.
“Some want to attend university or just spread their wings but there is also a group that leave to pursue training that could be offered here in the Burdekin.”
“In the last few years, we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of unfilled positions in crucial industries. If we don’t take action to improve local training opportunities, that situation is only going to get worse.”
Disappointed that more local consultation on the matter wasn’t offered by the state government, Mr Last is now appealing for people to come forward with ideas and suggestions, so the community doesn’t miss out.
“My message to local businesses and representative groups is that, if they have identified an area where the current training is inadequate, this is their chance to raise those issues. And for former students, I would ask that they have their say because their experiences allow us to improve what is on offer now and what will be on offer in the future.”
“By proactively taking part we also send a clear message to the Minister that our community will not accept any reduction in services. Our local businesses, and our community as a whole, need our TAFE to fill a key role and we need to take some responsibility in ensuring it does.”
“The Burdekin has a proud history of standing up for what we need, and on this occasion, that is exactly what we need to do. I have no intention of letting Brisbane-based bureaucrats dictate to us and I know that this community won’t stand for it either.”
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