Western Australian TAFE colleges will develop a new delivery approach from Monday, March 30 to April 9, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Term 2, the blended style of delivery will include learning via online and interactive technologies, and face-to-face delivery where necessary and where adequate social distancing measures can be implemented. This style of delivery is the most appropriate for vocational education and training (VET).
Courses that have been delivered exclusively online will continue to do so.
From Monday (March 30) until the end of term on April 9, there will be a temporary pause in the face-to-face delivery of most courses.
Face-to-face training in essential service courses such as enrolled nursing and aged care will continue. There will also be practical assessments for hospitality/cookery students and final stage apprentices who need to be assessed in a practical workshop. Arrangements for these courses will be modified to ensure safety.
Colleges will stay open and essential student services including student resource areas will remain available with social distancing measures applying.
Students are being emailed and/or sent a text message informing them how they will be affected by the changes.
The new measures will allow lecturers and non-teaching staff to continue to prepare to move to the new style of training in Term 2 which starts on April 28, 2020.
The new approach will ensure safety for students and staff as well as providing skills that will be needed during the pandemic and in the critical recovery time afterwards.
TAFE colleges are also extending the use of online and interactive technologies to support study areas which have substantial practical components where appropriate. Metropolitan and regional TAFE colleges are collaborating to support online learning across the State.
The colleges will work with employers to ensure that there is continued training for apprentices.
VET provides training to help students develop practical skills which meet industry standards.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The new blended delivery model will be flexible, nimble and adaptable in training people for jobs that will be needed during the pandemic and for those jobs that will have a massive role in the recovery process.
“The model will also provide safety and security for students and staff.
“TAFE colleges are making every effort to support students and are working to ensure any changes to training delivery do not compromise the expected industry outcomes or the quality of training.
“The McGowan Government is committed to rebuilding and reshaping Western Australia’s economy, and vocational education and training will play a vital role in the creation of a diverse and skilled workforce.”
