Nod to 'education state' in Vic budget

VICTORIAN 2018/19 BUDGET: EDUCATION STATE SHINES

* $172 million to make 30 TAFE priority courses free, plus 18 pre-apprenticeship courses

* $120m to upgrade and modernise three TAFEs in regional Victoria

* $44m to modernise apprenticeships - updated learning materials and reintroduction of trade papers

* $49.8m to get secondary students to learn trades while at school

* $43.8m to keep students in a trade or at school

* $25.9m to improve vocational pathways in schools

* $50m for 1700 Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships at 100 secondary schools

* $32.9m for better outcomes in science and maths

* $44m to cutback the number of students dropping out of school

* $4.4m for an aspiring principals training program

* $272m to buy land for new school sites

* $483m for repairs and upgrades to 134 schools

* $353.2m for 12 new schools

* $60.8m for kindergarten upgrades and language programs

COMMENT:

Education Minister James Merlino:

"Our kids need to be ready for the jobs of the future. That's why we're making record investments in the classroom so that every student can develop the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career and in life."

Early Childhood Education Minister Jenny Mikakos:

"Building the education state begins with the early years - that's why it's so important we continue to invest in our youngest Victorians to ensure they have the best start to life."