| Regional TAFEs on knife edge Thursday, 17th May 2012 Victorian agricultural education is on a knife edge following a massive slump in TAFE enrolments. The Victorian Farmers Federation fears the situation could become worse following State Government cuts to TAFE funding, with some agricultural courses at regional campuses possibly facing the chop. Figures obtained by the VFF show 2011 enrolments in primary industries courses fell by an average 26 per cent across Sunraysia, Ballarat, Bendigo, Central and East Gippsland, South West (Hamilton), Sunraysia and Wodonga TAFEs. The VFF obtained the figures from a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development report. The slump has drained TAFEs of millions of dollars, just as the government prepares to cut $290 million out of the sector. "It just shows how vulnerable these country TAFEs are to the latest round of Victorian Government budget cuts," VFF Vice President David Jochinke said. In 2011 Sunraysia TAFE lost $1.4 million, while others saw their revenue plunge. Wodonga TAFE's net result slumped by $7.8 million and South West TAFE's result crashed from $5 million down to $1.6m. Mr Jochinke said the situation is only going to get worse. "Agriculture is already facing a major skills shortage," Mr Jochinke said. "Yet the government is gutting the TAFE sector. Why?" Under the cutbacks, subsidies for certain agriculture, forestry and fishing courses will be slashed by as much as 36 per cent. The subsidy for Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma of Agronomy students will drop from $7.80 to $5 per hour. These courses run from 900 - 1200 hours, meaning the subsidy will drop by $2520 - $3360 per student. "And private education providers aren't immune either. Some courses at the Wimmera's Longerenong College will lose up to 22 per cent in funding," Mr Jochinke said. Regional TAFEs will also lose another $60 million in subsidies which were to go towards their libraries, maintenance and general student services. The Victorian TAFE Association has said the brutal budget measures could force some regional centres to close or merge while struggling to pay agriculture staff. Mr Jochinke said country TAFEs and private training colleges provide an essential service for regional communities and should be protected. "Vocational training in regional areas allows people to further their education in primary industries while still being able to help out on the farm. "We understand the Coalition Government is trying to rectify an education blowout caused by their predecessors. But the strategy they've proposed will undermine agricultural education in regional Victoria. "We'll end up with more regional jobs lost and more young people having to leave the farm to get access to the courses they need. That's not a favourable outcome," Mr Jochinke said. Media contacts: David Cumming VFF Manager Public Affairs 0417 165 784 David Jochinke VFF Vice President 0427 834 524 Aaron Sanderson Young Agribusiness Professionals President 0419 957 699 FACT SHEET: Regional TAFE Enrolments TAFE 2010 2011 Difference Ballarat 498 321 -36% BRIT (Bendigo) 387 287 -26% Central Gippsland 168 125 -26% East Gippsland 864 607 -30% Goulburn Ovens 2227 2278 +2% Sunraysia 333 248 -26% South West 775 665 -14% Wodonga 588 421 -28% Source: DEECD Draft Victorian Training Market Quarterly Report In 2011 Calendar Year, a number of regional TAFEs showed signs of financial stress: Sunraysia TAFE posted a loss of $1.4 million Goulburn Ovens TAFE posted a loss of $2.6 million Bendigo TAFE posted a loss of $241,000 Wodonga TAFE returned a comprehensive result of only $2.7 million in 2011, after posting $10.5 million in 2010. This represents a $7.8 million reduction in funds over one year. State Government subsidies for TAFE primary industry courses - 2011 vs 2012 Course name Subsidy ($/hr) 2011 Subsidy ($/hr) 2012 AHC10210 Certificate I in AgriFood Operations 11.05 7.50 AHC20110 Certificate II in Agriculture 11.05 8.00 AHC30110 Certificate III in Agriculture 10.39 10.00 AHC40110 Certificate IV in Agriculture 10.39 10.00 AHC50110 Diploma of Agriculture 7.80 5.00 AHC60110 Advanced Diploma of Agriculture 7.80 5.00 22173VIC Diploma of Sustainable Agriculture 7.80 7.00 AHC30210 Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) 10.39 10.00 21972VIC Diploma of Agronomy 7.80 5.00 30870QLD Diploma of Permaculture 7.80 5.00 AHC20310 Certificate II in Production Horticulture 11.05 8.00 AHC30610 Certificate III in Production Horticulture 10.39 10.00 AHC40310 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture 10.39 10.00 AHC50310 Diploma of Production Horticulture 7.80 5.00 AHC21210 Certificate II in Rural Operations 11.05 8.00 AHC32810 Certificate III in Rural Operations 10.39 10.00 AHC32710 Certificate III in Rural Merchandising 10.39 10.00 AHC21310 Certificate II in Shearing 11.05 8.00 AHC32910 Certificate III in Shearing 10.39 10.00 AHC21410 Certificate II in Wool Handling 11.05 8.00 AHC33110 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling 10.39 10.00 AHC33010 Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation 10.39 10.00 AHC41310 Certificate IV in Wool Classing 10.39 10.00 AHC32410 Certificate III in Irrigation 10.39 10.00 AHC41110 Certificate IV in Irrigation 10.39 10.00 21924VIC Diploma of Equine Performance Management 7.80 5.00 21781VIC Diploma of Sustainable Water and Catchment Management 7.80 5.00 |
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| YAPs has a new Facebook page! Wednesday, 21st March 2012 YAPs has decided to update it's Facebook from a group to an organisation, meaning that you can view information, photos and events more easily, and can start discussions with other young people in ag. We've also got the photos from the recent YAPs study tour and last year's conference up there, so feel free to have a look and tag yourself!'Like' us on Facebook and join the conversation. http://www.facebook.com/YoungAgribusinessProfessionals |
| YAPs Study Tour 2012 - Recap @ Wednesday, 21st March 2012 @ 04:40pm Members Free | Non-members Free |
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| YAPs Study Tour 2012 @ Melbourne Wednesday, 14th March 2012 @ 01:00pm Members Free | Non-members Free |
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