Kangan Institute chief executive Grant Sutherland has rejected claims the TAFE has been “gutted” by funding cuts and the demise of the local auto industry, forcing it to merge with Bendigo TAFE.
“Plans for the merger are ultimately built around a growth strategy for the organisation through increasing enrolments,” Mr Sutherland said.
“The boards of the two institutes believe that the institute will be strengthened and able to pass on the benefits to students of it being a larger institute.”
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire said he had written to the Premier and Prime Minister about the predicament faced by tertiary students and workers needing skills upgrades.
Mr McGuire condemned the state government for failing to reinvest in local tertiary education.
“Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey added to the folly by baiting GM Holden to leave Australia, and then Toyota withdrew, marking the demise of our once iconic automotive industry,” he said.
“I’ve called on the premier to confirm that Broadmeadows will not be dudded again and that the planned merger between Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE will not see further cuts to funding, courses, students or staff.’’
Mr Sutherland said TAFEs operated in a demand-driven market. “The key for any training provider is to generate sufficient student numbers.’’
