Training Funding Available

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing its efforts to boost Queensland’s international education and training (IET) sector with a new round of funding being announced by Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Curtis Pitt.

Mr Pitt said a further $1.2 million would be available in 2017-18 to consortia when the next round of the IET Partnership Fund opens tomorrow. (1 June 2017)

“These consortia are developing projects and practical initiatives that will drive growth at all levels of IET and across all regions of the state,” Mr Pitt said.

“Our first pilot round of the program produced an incredible response with 21 projects across the state receiving $1.2 million to fund industry alliances that are developing practical projects to boost the industry.

“I am looking forward to seeing what ideas come out of this round of applications.”

The Partnership Fund has been designed to generate grassroots ideas from providers, local governments, community organisations and students.

Projects may range from $5,000 to $150,000 and will require matched funding from applicants.

State government agency Trade and Investment Queensland’s International Education and Training Unit will help businesses and organisations interested in applying for the fund, and work directly with industry to discuss partnerships aimed at expanding the IET sector.

They will also be consulting with industry on the development of Queensland’s first IET Partnership Plan.

“In 2016 approximately 111,500 international students chose Queensland as their preferred place of study, an 8.3 per cent rise on the previous year and Queensland’s highest number of enrolments ever,” Mr Pitt said.

“Unlike export goods being loaded onto ships or planes, we can’t necessarily see the physical evidence of the purchase of our educational skills.

“But regardless of that, international education is one of our state’s biggest exports and in 2015-16 was worth an estimated $3 billion in export revenue and supported around 20,000 jobs.

“Our regional communities also benefit, with almost 35,000 students studying outside Brisbane — that’s more international students than any other Australian state located in our regional communities.”

Mr Pitt congratulated the Ipswich Region Education Consortium which received a grant from the 2016-17 pilot round of the Partnership Fund for a feasibility study to develop an education cluster for the region.

“This project will enable schools, English language colleges, vocational education and training providers and universities in the region to collaborate to attract more students to greater Ipswich,” he said.

To view the International Education and Training Partnership Fund guidelines and lodge an Expression of Interest before 16 July 2017, visit: www.tiq.qld.gov.au/iet-strategy

The IET Regional Roadshow will also visit Moreton Bay, Toowoomba, Fraser Coast, Brisbane, Redlands, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast, and Rockhampton. Registration details for the roadshow can be found at: www.tiq.qld.gov.au.

The $6 million Partnership Fund is being allocated over five years and is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $25.3 million International Education and Training Strategy to Advance Queensland.

Source
Media Statement
The Honourable Curtis Pitt
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment

See also Education & Training and Grants & Funding