Thirteen passionate teachers working in Victoria’s training sector will boost their skills and improve their career opportunities thanks to the Victorian Government. Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced the successful applicants for the 2017 Skills First Academic Grants, which are open to teachers working in the Victorian Government-funded training system. The successful teachers and trainers come from across the state, including two from the Gordon Institute of TAFE, two from SuniTAFE and three from GOTAFE. Each will receive up to $8,000 towards a post-graduate qualification in education and teaching which will help them better support the students they teach. They’ll also receive individual coaching and access to further professional development to better meet the changing needs of Victorian students. The VET Development Centre (VDC) will be providing workplace coaching and mentoring, and professional development programs. The Government is investing close to $500,000 in 2017 on professional development for Skills First training organisations, including workshops across Melbourne and regional centres. Through Skills First, the Government is overhauling Victoria’s training and TAFE system, guaranteeing funding to secure the future of TAFE and ensuring Victorians have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney stated that “We want the best teachers offering the best high quality training and our Skills First Academic Grants will help make that happen.”