As part of our series of what is happening around the States Recovery 2020: Tasmania
“Not only do these programs help our industries bring on more skilled workers to meet their needs, but they open up new career opportunities for Tasmanians looking for work” Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training.
Building skills to help economic recovery
More than 2000 Tasmanians will benefit in $3.6 million being released through two of the Government’s funds helping Tasmanians to gain new skill and improve their employability. The Skills Fund will see more than $1.1 million provided to seven Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for more than 1500 training places across key sectors including construction, manufacturing and disability care. Providing more training opportunities and the chance at a rewarding job or career provides a solid basis for the emotional, financial and social wellbeing of individuals and communities. The programs will help industries bring on more skilled workers to meet their needs, but they open up new career opportunities for Tasmanians looking for work, those looking for a career change, and those looking to advance or diversify their current roles.
Helping small businesses recover, re-open and grow
The Tasmanian Government will provide an additional $20 million to help small businesses. The Small Business funding includes grants that will directly help our local operators, enhance existing small business support programs and provide additional mental health support. The purpose of the Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Grant program is to assist small businesses across a number of sectors to sustain themselves, recover, re-open, build capacity and innovate.
Tourism with parks and reserves
The Tasmanian Government is delivering the largest ever investment in our national parks and reserves that will help future-proof tourism in our regional areas and help our economy. The projects are predicted to go on for four years right across the state, ensuring our natural assets are protected for generations to come while providing world-class experiences that match the expectations of visitors and locals alike. Tasmanian national parks and reserves make a huge contribution to the Tasmanian economy, particularly in regional areas, and projects like these are exactly what their economy and tourism sector needs.
Construction Blitz
Tasmania has a construction plan to super-charge the economy with a record construction blitz over two years, supporting around 15,000 jobs. It brings forward government expenditure, it will stimulate investment in the private sector, it will strengthen and underpin the economy and it will create thousands of jobs. It also secures and fast-tracks projects across community infrastructure, roads, irrigation and other essential infrastructure.
Improving safety and reliability
Tasmania is working hard to improve safety and travel time reliability on the Bass Highway, with two tenders released for upgrades on the highway, and another contract awarded for safety upgrades at Boat Harbour Primary School. As well as improving safety and travel time reliability, these upgrades will support growth and provide efficient transport on this key corridor for freight, tourists and local residents.
Bruny Island Ferry Terminal upgrades
Tasmanias multi-million dollar upgrade to the ferry terminals will provide much better traffic management for vehicles and the ferries, and more orderly and safer boarding. The existing road will be extended to the new berth and directional line marking will be added to both terminals to reduce queuing and improve pedestrian safety. This will increase ferry capacities and jobs in Tasmania.
Boosting Tasmania’s arts and cultural sector
The Tasmanian Government is providing a much needed funding boost to 60 Tasmanian artists through our latest Individuals and Groups support program round. A total of more than $349,000 has been awarded to these artists to help deliver 23 projects across of a variety of artistic platforms including music, theatre, visual art, writing and dancing.
For more of What is Happening during National Skills Week 2020 and to get involved to show your support for Vocational education and Training and strengthening Australia’s economy : National Skills Week Events