Three specialist Koorie staff members are to be employed at every Victorian TAFE in the biggest expansion of support services for Aboriginal TAFE students in the State’s history.
Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney announced that up to 18 Koorie Liaison Officers and 32 new Koorie Student Support Officers.
Ms Tierney said the funding signalled a significant expansion of support staff across the sector which was expected to grow Aboriginal student participation at TAFE, improve their educational outcomes and help create clearer pathways to the workforce.
“SuniTAFE has reported an increase in its Koorie student cohort by 100 since a trial of the program began in 2017,” Ms Tierney said.
“The funding will allow every Victorian TAFE to have a full-time Koorie Liasion Officer and two Koorie Student Support Officers from 2021,” she said.
Ms Tierney said Koorie Liaison Officers were employed by TAFEs and dual sector institutes to provide advice and support to learners during their TAFE journey and promote opportunities in the community.
The Minister said Koorie Student Support Officers were trained to understand the support offered by the Institute as well as Department support systems.
She said both roles contributed strategically to Aboriginal inclusion, cultural safety and perspectives in the curriculum to ensure providers delivered culturally inclusive training.
“They also provide support and advice to the TAFE workforce,” Ms Tierney said.
