A once-in-a-decade survey of TAFE staff around Australia underlines the need for an overhaul of the TAFE system to give Tasmanians a real pathway to skills and jobs.
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills Michelle O’Byrne said the results confirm the need for Labor’s Free TAFE policy to help drive qualifications and employment in a post-pandemic society.
“The Australian Education Union survey of more than 1,000 staff delivered some alarming results, with staff “demoralised”, students missing out on classes and funding at its lowest level in a decade,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Sixty-eight per cent of TAFE staff reported course cuts and 81 per cent reported the slashing of departmental budgets, leaving an organisation that is vital for regional communities without the capacity and resources they need to adapt to regional workforce needs.
“These results echo the concerns of Tasmanian staff and reveal serious recruitment issues for an organisation that was once a workplace of choice.
“While the Federal Government blames the states and the states avoid the conversation, the sector withers on the vine and students miss out.
“Not only that, but a new report out today from Business NSW says 54,000 apprenticeships will be lost this year without an economic recovery and an extension of employer subsidies, including JobKeeper. That would equate to 1,000 apprenticeships in Tasmania.
“This clearly demonstrates the full impact of COVID-19 on skills training and the need to fix the problem now. Tasmania’s TAFE system has the potential to be the training engine room of the economy, driving qualifications and employment.
“Labor’s $10 million policy to provide free TAFE courses in key industries facing skills shortages is an opportunity to provide the training needed to make that happen – upskilling workers, retraining those who have lost work as a result of the pandemic and providing pathways for young school leavers.
“We need to buy local, build local and employ local and, by making TAFE courses more accessible we can make real progress on Tasmania’s recovery.
As Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package points out, we need to build a better Tasmania out of the pandemic devastation. Now, more than ever, all barriers must be removed to train and retrain people for the jobs of the future.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills
