Release date: 11/06/24
Adelaide, SA — The Industry Training Providers Association South Australia (ITPA) enthusiastically
welcomes the recognition of the critical role industry focused, not for profit training providers play in
delivering the additional $610 million investment made by the Malinauskas Labor Government into
Jobs and Skills development within the South Australia Budget.
Brian Rungie, ITPA Chair, praised this recognition, stating, “Leading not for profit, industry focused
training providers are critical for South Australians to access skilled and well paid jobs.”
This brings the total State and Federal Governments investment in Skills and Training within South
Australia to $2.3 billion over five years, which includes 160,000 additional training places and access
to increased levels of student wellbeing and support to increase completion rates.
Rungie praised the initiative, stating, “ITPA members look forward to working closely with the
Malinauskas government to train the workforce South Australia needs including within the defence,
health, building and construction, early childhood education, clean energy transition and ICT sectors.”
ITPA fully supports the Malinauskas Labor Government’s focus on quality within the training and
apprenticeship system and encourages the South Australian Skills Commissioner to continue focusing
on red tape reduction while driving quality improvements.
ITPA also welcomes the support to grow the VET training workforce and training infrastructure at a
time when the need to expand the training capacity of the industry focused, not for profit training
sector is critical.
Malinauskas Labor Government State Budget includes other initiatives that are leading to an increase
in demand for skilled workers and apprenticeships including:
- $25.6 billion for the North-South Corridor – River Torrens to Darlington project, new Women’s
and Children’s Hospital and the upgrade and expansion of the Flinders Medical Centre - $843.6 million housing package to deliver 2,383 new homes
- $30 million in additional first home owner relief
ITPA members have reported an increase in inquiries and enrolments, attributing this positive trend to
the Malinauskas Labor Government’s proactive initiatives. Key to many of these skilled, well paid jobs
is a trade based apprenticeship. An apprenticeship enables the apprentice or trainee to earn while you
learn right from day one, with:
- No student debt
- Hands-on real-world experience
- Uniform and protective equipment provided
- Qualifications recognised across Australia
Supporting the completion of these apprentices and trainees is vital for South Australian industry to
access the skilled workforce. ITPA acknowledges the ongoing support from the Malinauskas Labor
Government for GTO Boost as a key strategy to support greater completion rates.
“Apprenticeships are a gateway to a dynamic and exciting, well paid, career” Rungie emphasized.
“Group Training Organisation add a further layer of support for Apprentices and Employers which is
why completion rates are so much higher.”
For further information or media inquiries, please get in touch via our contact form.
About ITPA
The Industry Training Providers Association Inc. (ITPA) was incorporated in 1997 as a body
that represents not-for-profit, industry-led Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) operating
in South Australia.
Our members are guided by and are passionate advocates for ethical standards that commit
us to deliver quality training and assessment. We endeavour to work closely with industry,
schools, government organisations and the community for the furtherance of excellence in
vocational training outcomes and the vibrancy and sustainability of the state’s economy.
Further details can be found at www.itpainc.com.au
[End of Release]