I WRITE with reference to an article in the Central Western Daily on Wednesday, February 18 titled “Small numbers, big ideas: low turnout at rally against rising TAFE fees”.
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The NSW government’s Smart and Skilled reforms provide eligible students with an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including a certificate III qualification, and government funding for certificate IV and above courses in targeted priority areas.
The article quotes Terry Keely from the NSW Teachers Federation incorrectly suggesting that someone injured at work would be required to pay a full commercial rate to retrain.
While a student who holds a certificate IV or higher qualification is not eligible for subsidised training at certificate II or III, there is an exception to the rule when a person has an acquired disability since completing the higher qualification.
The article also suggested there had been a 50 per cent decline in enrolments by apprentices.
TAFE Western has very strong enrolments in many trade areas including automotive and electrical. There have been very strong enrolments in many other course areas including health, community service, tertiary preparation, and management.
I encourage potential students to visit our Orange college to get advice about the range of training options available and to get accurate information about their eligibility for subsidised training.
Kate Baxter,
TAFE Western Institute director
