Local TAFE teachers are taking industrial action today, with plans to rally outside Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney’s Geelong office.
They’re calling for swift action from the state government.
It’s taken the state government over two years to reach an agreement with the teachers union over pay and conditions.
Teacher at The Gordon Matt Henry says there is a need to get more teachers into TAFE in order to deal with the skills shortage across the state.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt on how important it is,” he said.
“If we don’t see swift action from the state on the shortage, I think the state is going to be in serious trouble.
“There is a shortage of skilled workers that needs to be addressed, and without more TAFE teachers, there isn’t a way to address these issues.”
The Australian Education Union has released data showing more than 70 per cent of TAFE teachers thought about leaving their job last year due to high stress, poor funding and unsustainable workloads.
