Rural high school students have little to no option when it comes Vocational Education and Training programs with no transport and no subsidy.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has taken on the fight on behalf of Agnes Water High School students who can’t afford the daily commute of over $40 to get to TAFE.
“Our rural students don’t have the same opportunities as their peers in town with the round trip to TAFE simply unaffordable,” said Mr Bennett.
“State Labor have been trumpeting ‘Fee-Free TAFE and VET courses’ for months, but that couldn’t be further from the truth for many Burnett students.
“The school transport assistance scheme exists for both primary and secondary school students who live more than 4.8 km away from their nearest state school, but it stops short of including TAFE colleges.
“This seriously limits the opportunities and prospects for young people who are looking to get ahead in life and follow a chosen career.
“Vocational Education and Training (VET) provides students with nationally recognised qualifications, skills, and knowledge in a range of industries and occupations; but not if you live in Agnes Water, Rosedale, Childers or Biggenden.
“Why? Because the State Government has forgotten about the students in the bush.”
Mr Bennett tabled a Question on Notice to the Minister for Education in Parliament this week.
High School students in my electorate are not eligible for any transport subsidies to travel to their closest TAFE College in Bundaberg to take part in Vocational and Educational activities. Will the Minister review the lack of transport subsidies and take action to support regional secondary school students who are currently disadvantaged financially due to the cost of transport?
Discovery Christian College VET Coordinator Simone Masters said the achievement gap between metropolitan and regional and rural students is already substantial in education.
“Add in transport obstacles and the gap widens even further, particularly for low income families,” she said.
“For our Discovery Christian College students undertaking face-2-face VET, it is a three-hour round trip into TAFE Bundaberg and an additional $1,500 for families to send their student to TAFE one day a week.”
Mrs Masters said with the population growing significantly in Agnes Water, higher education opportunities are becoming more important to provide pathways to employment.
“A substantial number of our students are practically minded meaning vocational opportunities that provide pathways into employment are critical; especially trades, business and tourism, industries that underpin our community.
“With increased development happening in our region, we need to retain our students in meaningful employment by setting them up with vocational education opportunities long before they leave school.
“On top of this, VET pathways can be a pivotal pathway into University, especially courses with articulation pathways such as health, STEM programs and education at all levels.”
ENDS.
14/03/2023