RECENTLY-appointed director of TAFE Western Institute Kate Baxter is looking forward to implementing a new training strategy to boost job prospects for Aboriginal students.
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“We have communities with significant numbers of Aboriginal people in this region and we are planning more strategies with employers and businesses to benefit Aboriginal people,” she said.
“There has been a history of training for training sake, but that training hasn’t necessarily led to jobs.
“I am very committed to the significant changes we are making to improve employment links.”
A new recruitment program is underway to secure 13 teachers to implement the Aboriginal training and employment program, including student support officers.
Mrs Baxter was director of educational delivery, community services and health and tourism at TAFE in Bathurst before taking on her new role.
In the 15 years she has worked for TAFE she has seen huge growth in some faculties.
“In welfare for example we used to have two classes, two nights a week. Now we have hundreds of students, as there are plenty of employment opportunities in health and welfare,” she said.
Mrs Baxter said innovative programs to help young people study at TAFE and remain at school to complete their Higher School Certificate were also a major achievement of the organisation.
She said flexible delivery has made a real difference to the way some people study for courses, and being able to take training to smaller communities via mobile training facilities has provided additional training opportunities for people outside major towns and cities.
