Prepare nation for ‘better-paid’ jobs

Seventy percent of new jobs created over the next five years will require a Certificate III TAFE qualification or higher, according to Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The announcement came from the Prime Minister last week. She spoke to the Sunday Herald Sun, stating “all Australians need to be fully prepared for the opportunities and better-paying jobs of the new economy”.

“I want to break down the financial barriers that prevent people from getting better skills,” she says.

Aged care is listed as one of the top 20 jobs expected to grow strongly over the next five years.

All Australians will reportedly have access to loan arrangements that will enable students to obtain a training qualification for a job and not have to pay for it upfront.

“These reforms could help many more Australians earn up to $10,000 extra a year in today’s labour market,” Ms Gillard says.

The federal government’s new jobs and skills blueprint will demonstrate 4.1 million Australians are missing out on the minimum trade skills that could deliver better pay.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows a $180-a-week wage gap between people who have completed year 12 and those who have a Certificate III TAFE qualification.