Cutting costs of VET materials for secondary students

Materials for VET students such as those in Building and Construction will have costs cut this year. Picture: ON FILE

The State Government is delivering extra Vocational Education and Training (VET) funding to cover the cost of students’ course materials in 2023.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the $120.2 million funding package will ensure schools can cover course materials for students, as well as deliver VET courses in industries linked to workforce shortages like building and construction, electrical and auto engineering.

“We’re making it even easier for young Victorians to start their dream career by removing the cost of VET course materials. This extra funding will give students better support and flexibility to study what they want to prepare them for the jobs of the future,” she said.

“We’re also investing in delivering VET training for jobs in industries that are suffering major workforce shortages to deliver better outcomes for Victorian students and businesses.”

For example, a student wanting to study Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship) faced costs of up to $587 for course materials.

Small regional schools previously unable to offer VET classes will also be provided additional funding to make these options possible for students.

The announcement coincides with the new VCE Vocational Major that will be available in Victorian government schools from 2023 onwards.