MP Greg Warren has repeated his call for a Private Provider Investigation Unit in the wake of a NSW Labor Freedom of Information inquiry that has revealed 254 students in Campbelltown have been affected by dodgy private vocational education providers.
The documents show seven different training providers based in the 2560 postcode have been terminated or suspended since October 2016.
“Vulnerable students are being targeted by bogus companies to sign up for courses they will never be able to complete,’’ said the Member for Campbelltown.
“The Berejiklian Government needs to crack down on these dodgy providers and ensure that VET funding is going where it is needed most – in our broken TAFE system.
“The reasons for these shonks being terminated or suspended are extremely concerning; including being deregistered by Australia skills quality regulator (ASQA), using unqualified teachers and instructors, subcontracting, using incorrect training tools and assessments and insolvency,’’ Mr Warren said.
“Hundreds of prospective local students are being jeopardised each year by the State Government’s failure to set up an investigative taskforce.’’
The range of courses targeted across the state include hospitality, business, early childhood and leadership and management.
Mr Warren said a Private Provider Investigation Unit would look into dodgy training providers and ensure that taxpayers money is only given to reputable organisations.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Shonky private vocational education providers are continuing to target students in Campbelltown, due to an unwillingness by the Berejiklian Government to crack down on the failed service providers,’’ he said.[/social_quote]
“You have to ask why the Berejiklian Government isn’t cracking down on these dodgy providers who are offering quick fix diplomas and certificates in exchange for exorbitant fees.
“This is unfair on every level – unfair to the students who are being ripped off, unfair to the private providers doing the right thing who have to compete with these shonks, and unfair to the taxpayers who are ultimately footing the bill.’’
Amen!
I have done 99% of my training with TAFE and won’t use anyone else now for me or my staff!
I did approach 1 private provider kast year however… he coukdnt tell me what subjects my apprentice would be studying… only that I’ll get x amount back from the government!!! That’s not the point mate!!!
Unfair to all involved as well as unfair to the students who have done the hard yards to get the proper training to get legitimate qualifications elsewhere.
Sound like a good idea. What do you think Maxine?