I fail to see how the Skills Reform can cultivate a more educated workforce and cost the government less.

The Skills Reform policy only looks at qualifications, not career paths and actual skills. All qualifications now cost more than ever before and financial support is only given to students who hold a lower qualification than the one they are studying. It does not consider the new knowledge being taught or the advantages given by the lower qualification. Neither does it consider the financial status of a student.

The implications are disastrous for our ageing population and the realities of the workforce today. Skills diversity is paramount to our successful modern society where many careers have only been in existence for the past 10 years. Not supporting the education systems to support the jobs growth and re-skilling will adversely affect the Australian workforce.

It also changes the face of the Victorian TAFE system from being an alternative to higher education with access to hands on experience, practitioners and successful careers to serving only one purpose. To provide a stepping stone for people without qualifications, because for those with a degree, TAFE becomes expensive and therefore out of touch with its original intention.

I cannot think what part of society the Skills Reform would benefit, which leaves me faced with the real intent of the so called reform - to get people to fully fund their own education. Not a bad idea if you can afford it - can you?

Rebekha Naim, RMIT TAFE, 07 APR 2010 22:36

Just so typical ...whats left for our Aussie kids?? ...Where is their future?? .
Let them study and continue to contribute to the skills shortage in Australia ...rather than Import more people from o/s to fill these positions. Our biggest Import is Australian education ... we offer it to all.. Including those who can pay the highest fees..lets keep Tafe as an option for ALL including the "good old Aussie Battler"

Lee, Melbourne, 03 APR 2010 14:36

Its bad enough having a $17,000 HELP debt with no prospect of employment but employers should be funding TAFE costs not prospective job seekers with no guarantee of job placement. I vote Mr Brumby and I won't be voting for higher fees for TAFE.

Brett, Fores tHill, 01 APR 2010 18:30