Students and parents are disappointed and angry at the planned closure of the ATC, Liberal Senator Guy Barnett said today.
“Dozens of apprentices in the North and North West face the axe as of 31 December following the Federal Government’s decision to break an election promise and close the Australian Technical College in Tasmania.” Liberal Senator Guy Barnett said.
“Of course students, parents and ATC staff are angry and should have every right to be so. I urge the community to support the future of the ATC by attending meetings in Burnie and Launceston this week.
“Staff, parents, students the business community and anyone else concerned should show their support for the ATC’s future by attending meetings tomorrow (Wednesday) 6pm at the Burnie Campus and Thursday 6pm at the Launceston Campus,” Senator Barnett said.
“The Australian Technical College is a multi award winning training facility that has an excellent reputation amongst the business community. The Federal Government, over several years, has invested over $26 million on the establishment and operation of the ATC in Tasmania, including $14 million on the building of the Launceston and Burnie facilities.
“The ATC has been successful in qualifying students in a wide range of areas. Apprentices in building and construction, engineering and metals, electro-technology, commercial cookery, automotive, information technology, and business are now at risk. These positions fulfil a vital role in tackling skill shortages.
“The Rudd Government made a commitment in the lead up to the 2007 election not to close any existing Australian Technical Colleges, but it appears this will be another broken promise. I urge the community to get behind the ATC in Tasmania and hold the Government to account,” Senator Barnett concluded.