I had the pleasure of attending the launch of a new brand for Victoria’s TAFE Institutes last week. TAFE Victoria aims to help TAFEs promote the hundreds of courses on offer and the fact that TAFE is a government backed provider, each with their own unique expertise and specialisation. As part of the TAFE Victoria launch, successful chefs, media professionals and business leaders are supporting the new campaign. The new tafe.vic.gov.au website features every course offered by TAFE and dual-sector universities in Victoria.

With the introduction of Skills First last month, the Government is overhauling Victoria’s training and TAFE system, guaranteeing funding to secure the future of TAFE and making sure Victorians have the right skills for the jobs of the future.  Keep an eye on our website as part of the Victorian Government’s Education State: Skills First initiative, the Department of Education and Training has provided funds to VDC for thirty two (32) workforce development projects that will enable providers to improve student outcomes. In early March 2017 VDC Skills First Grants program will be available to all VET providers that have a 2017 Standard VET Funding Contract for the Skills First Program.

We are also pleased to announce the guest speakers for the VDC Business Breakfast series for 2017. Join us over a sit down breakfast as MC, Michael Roberts a respected journalist in his own right will conduct an intimate and close up interview with arguably cricket’s greatest ever all-rounder, Sir Ian Botham. On Thursday 30 March, Sir Ian will entertain you with his amazing life story from on and off the cricket field. Register now. This will be followed by the second breakfast event on 9 August when Carolyn Miller, Thought Leader in the creative industries from ABC TV’s Gruen Planet will be guest speaker.

Martin Powell
Chief Executive Officer