Fee cut prompts training boom in the South West

A significant reduction in TAFE fees coupled with people’s desire to reskill has led to a 21 per cent increase in enrolments at TAFE schools in the South West. The big increase in student numbers is expected to satisfy a growing demand for jobs in various industries from equipment operators to aged care support workers. One of the courses from the first batch of “Lower fees, local skills” courses attracting big enrolment numbers is Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) which had an additional 49 students enrol this year. Bunbury TAFE student Sasha Spaven, pictured with fellow student Randy Acheampong, is one of the many students taking advantage of lower fees and changing job demand by studying a Certificate IV in Individual Support. “I have a son with a disability and I wanted to study this so that I can understand a bit more about living with a disability,” Ms Spaven said. “Knowing these courses were half price was a big incentive for me taking on my Certificate III. “It was nearly over $2000 to do the course, so as a mum with children, it has helped me financially and the facilities on campus are amazing.” South Regional TAFE Bunbury lecturer Amber Calleja said the course had the highest growth for employment. “When students undertake courses like this we want to ensure they are successful at getting a job at the end,” she said. “The Certificate IV helps give them that extra bit of learning and experience and makes them highly desirable to employees.” Bethanie chief operating officer for residential aged care Felicity Beaulieu said it was great to see an increase in TAFE enrolments, specifically in aged care. “It means more young people are wanting to contribute back into the community and make a positive impact to the ageing population,” she said. “There is an abundance of opportunity in aged care and the work is very rewarding as you contribute and enhance the lives of residents and their families. “The aged care industry is growing and so too will the demand and job openings for qualified aged care workers. “An increase in enrolments will mean there will be more qualified aged care workers to contribute into the growing industry.” Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said in the South West, enrolments were up by 372 students in the initial 34 half price courses, which was a 21 per cent increase. “There has been a significant reduction in TAFE fees this year, making training more accessible and more affordable for more Western Australians,” she said. “There have been 2137 enrolments in these courses so far this year by students living in the South West, up from 1765 at the same time last year.” With more than 104,00 jobs lost in WA over the lockdown period and the unemployment rate at 8.1 per cent in May, Ms Ellery said now was the best time to upskill and explore new career opportunities. “Due to the impact of COVID-19, many Western Australians want to upskill or retrain to improve their employability,” she said.