SOUTH West Institute of Technology lecturers are concerned about the future of apprentices after redundancy packages were offered last week.
A Bunbury-based lecturer, who did not wish to be identified, told the Bunbury Mail that 26 positions at the institute had been offered voluntary redundancy.
The positions were across the building trades sector, including painting, tiling and bricklaying.
The lecturer said he was worried that Bunbury apprentices would not be able to continue their training locally and may be forced to relocate to Perth, which would be an expensive move.
He said that was the common feeling among all the lecturers, who were passionate about the success of their students.
A spokesperson for the institute said staff was given an opportunity to submit an expression of interest for voluntary redundancy “in accordance with public sector standards and practices.”
The spokesperson said the move was in response to a current initiative to reduce public sector employees across the state by 1500.
“Any employees contemplating this offer will be supported through the Employee Assistance Program,” the spokesperson said.
“This is a confidential service open to all staff and their immediate family members.”
The institute has vowed to ensure students’ training programs continue with minimal disruption.
