Jodie Belyea (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting the Minister for Skills and Training in Dunkley to announce a $30 million investment to establish the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence at Chisholm TAFE in Frankston. This centre will place local TAFE students and teachers at the forefront of cutting-edge skills in one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, delivering modern, job-ready training for people across Dunkley and the broader region. As the member for Dunkley, one of my top priorities is ensuring our community can access the very best training opportunities right here at home, and this investment will strengthen local pathways to high-value careers.

The Albanese Labor government is also rebuilding TAFE and backing apprentices with up to $10,000 in direct support to help train carpenters, plumbers and sparkies—those we need to build more homes in our communities. This includes 1,870 apprentices in training in Dunkley. Since 1 July, more than 11,000 apprentices have commenced housing construction trades with strong uptake in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. While the Liberals plan to dismantle activities that boost productivity and the economy, we continue to deliver the skills and training we need in communities like Dunkley.