THE Department of Education Training formed this week, a merge between the old Department of Education and the Department of Training.
The new department houses the Curriculum Council of WA, the Department of Education Services, the Office of Government Schools, and the Office of Training.
Premier Geoff Gallop said that the formation would boost year 12 retention rates, traineeships, and apprenticeships.
“For too long our education and training services have been operating under separate bureaucracies that hindered the progress of our 15 to 19-year olds,” he said.
“This is about creating better and greater opportunities with a more efficient system.”
Dr Gallop said the merge would save $100 million over four years.
The new department will share research, curriculum, and course development; have greater emphasis on vocational training and apprenticeships in years 11 and 12; share use of TAFE and school facilities; and provide more professional development for educators.
Education Minister Alan Carpenter has taken on the added role of training minister.
The new department was recommended by the Functional Review Taskforce.
