STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms BELYEA (Dunkley) (13:55): This year, in National Skills Week, we will celebrate that TAFE is life changing. Having been a student in my 20s and TAFE teacher, I understand that TAFE supports individuals to get the skills, expertise and confidence they need to pursue a career pathway. I am pleased to announce that the Minister for Skills and Training visited Dunkley recently and announced an investment of $10 million into the new VET Educator Academy.

The academy will be based at Chisholm's Frankston campus and will drive the training of TAFE the teachers and educators we need to build the workforce that our economy depends on. It was also a great opportunity to meet with apprentices and hear directly about their experiences and how the $10,000 Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme is making a real difference.

We met with Jackson, Anthony and Daniel from DP Heating and Cooling, who spoke about the $10,000 incentive that has helped them cover the costs of insurance, car registration and tools. There are nearly 20,000 apprentices currently training in and across Dunkley. They represent this government's investment in the future of our community and our economy.

I am proud to see the Albanese Labor government's investment in skills, backing the next generation of workers.