New VIC TAFE investment to train future workforce

The Australian Education Union (AEU) has endorsed a new in-principal agreement that will see Victorian TAFE teachers get wage increases, a modern classification system and more time for assessment and professional development.

Four in five future jobs will come through the TAFE system, and in 2025 there are about 90,000 new students embarking on their training through TAFE.

“We’re proud to give our TAFE teachers better pay and conditions – it’s absolutely what they deserve,” said minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney. 

“Our TAFE teachers are world-class and they’re training our state’s future workforce to build the homes we need, support our clean energy transition, and provide care for those who need it.”

The in-principle agreement between the AEU and Victorian TAFE Association backs the existing workforce and encourages a new generation of TAFE teachers by delivering:

•       An upfront pay rise and then additional 1.5 per cent increases every six months over the life of the agreement and changes to the classification structure that provides additional benefits to increase attraction and retention.
•       Ensuring the time allocated for teachers to do in-class assessments is counted towards teaching, which is critical for competency-based training.
•       An increase in the number of hours available for correction, assessment, preparation, planning and engagement, so students get more support and higher quality training.
•       Improved parental leave and cultural leave, and the introduction of grandparent leave and foster parent leave.

The deal is more encouragement for those considering a career in TAFE teaching and follows the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment being added to the Free TAFE list – removing tuition fees for people wanting to pursue this career path.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 provided funding for a modern HR system for staff across the entire TAFE Network. That system will help with recruitment as well as support the professional development of TAFE teachers and staff.