Bass promised a tech college as Liberals target trades shortage

A NEW technical college that would let Bass teenagers start hands-on trade training from Year 10 was pledged by the Liberals outside the old Wonthaggi tech site this morning.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said Bass would get one of 10 technical colleges under a Liberal and Nationals government if elected next month.

“Bass will definitely have a technical college right here for the local community and for kids going through school today,” Ms Wilson said.

Liberal candidate for Bass Rochelle Halstead hosted Ms Wilson, Shadow Minister for Jobs and Skills Bridget Vallence, State Narracan MP Wayne Farnham and State Nationals MP Melina Bath for the announcement.

“It’s an absolute joy to once again welcome our leader Jess Wilson to Bass,” Ms Halstead said.

Rhyll mother Katrina Lawrence brought along her sons Bailey, 21, and Riley, 18, who are both following their father into the electrical trade.

“A college like this would be so important for this community and for their future,” Ms Lawrence told The Sentinel-Times.

“My husband is an industrial electrician and he had that opportunity when he was younger, but the boys haven’t had it.

“If young people want to learn a trade, leave school earlier and get their foot in the door, it’s quite difficult at the moment.”

Both boys went through Newhaven College, where Riley is in Year 12 this year.

Bailey finished Year 12 and currently works at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

He said he would have done things differently if a technical college had been an option when he was at school.

“I would have left school early because I knew what I wanted to do,” Bailey said.

“I would have got straight into it instead of spending two more years at school when I didn’t really enjoy it.”

The $222 million plan would deliver 10 technical colleges over eight years, with five in a first term.

Each would take about 500 students from Years 10 to 12 and be co-located with existing secondary schools and TAFE institutes.

Students would train in trades such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry, as well as healthcare and hospitality.

The Liberals said unlike Labor’s existing Tech Schools, which they described as drop-in centres with no vocational qualifications, the colleges would have dedicated teachers and full-time enrolled students.

The cost would be offset by more than $24 billion in savings the Liberals have already announced.

“Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom, and not every young person wants to go to university,” Ms Wilson said.

“They deserve another pathway to a great career.”

Ms Wilson said sites would be chosen with families and the Department of Education, co-locating on existing schools and state-owned land where possible.

“We’re standing in Wonthaggi today because behind us is a site abandoned by the Labor government,” Shadow Minister for Jobs and Skills Bridget Vallence said.

“It stands empty and has the potential to be part of the solution to Victoria’s skills crisis.”

Ms Vallence said the colleges would give students a real choice at 16.

“We want to make sure kids have a different choice when they turn 16,” she said.

“A choice to learn a trade, finish school and go straight into an apprenticeship or a job.

“They can start earning a dollar if that’s what they choose, or keep studying.”

Ms Vallence said the state faced a serious workforce challenge in the trades needed to build homes and infrastructure.

“That’s why we’re investing in the skills this state needs for the future,” she said.

Mr Farnham, in a high-vis work shirt bearing the Farnham name, said he went to Warragul Tech before going into building.

“I’m a product of a technical college and I was a hands-on student, not an academic one,” he said.

“When you combine academic study with trade-based programs, people learn better.

“Coming out of a technical college, you’ve got a better chance of getting an apprenticeship.”

Mr Farnham said technical college graduates were more likely to get a trade and help ease the housing shortage.

“I’m proud I went to Warragul Tech,” he said.

“It gave me a great pathway into building, and now I’ve ended up an MP.”

The Housing Industry Association backed the plan, with Victorian executive director Keith Ryan saying the state needed far more tradies.

“Victoria cannot meet its housing ambitions without a significantly larger skilled workforce,” Mr Ryan said.

“Skills shortages are often most acute in regional and growth areas, where access to training and workforce development pathways can be a significant challenge.”

Labor candidate for Bass Chris Buckingham and State Bass MP Jordan Crugnale were contacted for comment.

Victorians go to the polls on November 28.