Victorian TAFE to offer biotech degrees

Biotechnology will be among a raft of specialised degrees on offer at Victorian TAFE institutes.

Education and Training Minister Lynne Kosky announced plans aimed at encouraging TAFE institutes to over courses catering for existing and emerging industries.

"TAFE degrees will fill a void currently existing in Victoria so that specialised industries have the skills necessary to thrive into the future," Kosky said.

The plan is part of the State government's Knowledge and Skills for the Innovation Economy blueprint aimed at changing the way training is delivered in Victoria.

"Victoria needs a training system that is responsive to the needs of existing and emerging industries, innovative and able to specialise in key industry areas," Kosky said.

"Reform of the training sector is about ensuring that Victoria is ready and prepared and has the specialised skills that will be needed in the future, to enable our industries to compete internationally.

"Victorian businesses need to access the right skills and knowledge if Victoria is to develop as a highly skilled economy."

She said applications from TAFEs to offer degrees in areas spanning biotechnology, viticulture, information technology and aquaculture would be assessed by the Higher Education Accreditation Committee.

Kosky also announced that the state would be providing an extra $1.5 million to increase the number of students doing school-based apprenticeships or traineeships from 1200 to a minimum of 3000 by 2005.