SA UNIONS WELCOMES TRADE SCHOOLS INITIATIVE

3 May 2007

The Rann government's plan to re-establish Trade Schools will be a boost to the state's long term economic and social growth, according to SA Unions Secretary Janet Giles.

Ms Giles says it's a welcome initiative.

"As a former President of the Australian Education Union, I was strongly opposed to the closure of the former technical colleges as undermining our skills development."

"This has proved to be the case, with the skills shortage in some cases forcing the importation of workers."

"For South Australia to prosper, we need home grown talent. We cannot rely on trying to obtain skills from elsewhere."

"Trade Schools are a pivotal part of developing that talent. They provide specialised training and career development in the important skills areas that are integral to South Australia's future."

"From traditional trades such as automotives, electrical and plumbing, to the increasing demand areas such as the mining trades, this initiative will provide genuine pathways to young people to steer them into meaningful jobs", Ms Giles says.

"Furthermore, these Trade Schools are a practical and cost effective proposal that satisfies unmet demand. This stands in stark contrast to the federal government's white-elephant proposal for federally funded technical colleges that are replicating the work of our excellent TAFE's and in doing so, are undermining their funding base."

"The Commonwealth funds would be far better invested in the existing TAFE system rather than being wasted on reinventing the wheel", she says.

"Unlike the Coalition's politically motivated publicity stunt, the Rann government has assessed South Australia's particular needs and developed a solution tailor-made to strengthen our state. For this it is applauded", ms Giles says.