Training of optical dispensers in Victoria is under threat after the state government informed 58 Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that support for their courses would be scrapped in 2026.
In a letter to the 58 RTOs, Mr Ryan Collins, the executive director of Training Operations and Assurance for the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, said those RTOs could not offer supported places to students in 2026 and their First Skills contracts would be ended.
The RTOs included the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD), which runs courses in the state.
The letter, sent nine days before Christmas, said the move was part of a change in funding priorities for tertiary training that would prioritise students training through TAFE Victoria and Free TAFE, the funding of community-based training providers, apprenticeships, and training in regional Victoria.
“Skills First funding will continue to also prioritise key industries, like housing and clean energy,” Collins said.
“This decision is final.”
Industry peak body the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) said the move would “directly affect the jobs of staff and trainers at each one of those RTOs . . .with some likely to close courses and even their business permanently”.
“The timing of this decision, just nine days before Christmas, is something that Scrooge on his worst day could not have done to people,” said Mr Felix Pirie, CEO of ITECA.
“Failure to manage the state economy effectively is not a reason to take away people’s livelihoods. This is embarrassing for Victoria, and it hurts everyday Victorians.”
ITECA said it would appeal the decision.
ACOD said it intended to appeal the decision.
