The South Australian Government has announced it will invest $27 million to spend on training over the coming two years in a bid to help the state’s industries meet critical skills needs.

Premier Jay Weatherill said that the 2013-14 State Budget would provide the funding to support and train people for emerging job opportunities in advanced manufacturing, mining, mining services, professional services and premium food and wine

“We want to make sure people have the opportunities to improve their skills and capacity to find rewarding jobs in areas of strategic priority to South Australia,” Mr Weatherill said.

“We are seeing rapid change in the manufacturing sector. It is crucial that we retain and build on the talent and skills of the workers in those sectors so they can more easily find alternative work.

“Advanced manufacturing, mining and construction are all areas of projected growth and there is growing demand for skilled people in these industries over the coming years.”

“The additional funding for our Skills for All program will ensure we are able to support the increased demand for training.”

Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister Grace Portolesi said the Skills for All program has provided the opportunity for people to easily access training to gain qualifications for rewarding jobs, particularly in industries that are of strategic importance to the State’s economy