Throughout the day, prospective students could access information sessions, workshops, practical live demonstrations and campus tours that were designed to showcase the facilities and course offerings available.

Orange-based teachers and staff were on hand to offer career advice with an opportunity to meet the teachers and chat with inspiring graduates now working in their chosen field.

TAFE Western counsellor Rachael Buckerfield said there has been a wide variety of people looking at courses ranging from early childhood courses to butchery this week.

She said there were a lot of school leavers but there were also adults looking to upskill or change careers.

Ron Delaney and Sean Finkel were among the future students who were looking at courses so they can change career direction.

Mr Delaney said he had spent years working at a supermarket but is changing direction and will study Individual Support in Aged Care.

Mr Finkel has previously worked as a photographer, in sales telecommunications and jewellery industries and said he is continuing in a similar direction to the course he studied last year.

He said this will be his fourth career path, which he said was necessary because he couldn’t find work in Orange in line with his previous careers, and he was looking at studying finance or certificate IV in community services or both.

“I came here from Sydney four years ago, I met my partner two years ago, bought a house and decided to upskill,” Mr Finkel said. 

“I did certificate III last year in business administration and I’m currently halfway through a diploma in leadership and management. I’m opening up prospects.”

TAFE Western hospitality and events teacher Claire Tuck said on Tuesday that the most popular courses people inquired with her about were short courses.

Among her more popular courses were Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling courses that are required for working in pubs and clubs, as well as barista courses.