The North Coast Region
The North Coast of Australia is an area of natural beauty including pristine beaches, sub-tropical rainforest and lush mountainsides. The North Coast population of approximately 500,000 is widely dispersed across the region and is the fastest growing compared to other country regions.
The region has for many years had one of the highest unemployment rates in the State with youth unemployment especially high. Employment is dominated by small businesses that employ fewer than five people.
The most significant employment growth has been in the service industry and jobs directly related to population growth including retail, community services, finance, property services and the tourism industry.
While agriculture is still a major industry in the region, retail and wholesale trade have emerged as major employers.
Three percent of the population comes from a non-English speaking background. However, there is a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population with 13 percent of the State's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population living on the North Coast.
As an important element of the North Coast's economy, the Institute's management and staff continually adapt the course mix and individual programs to correspond to current and emerging needs and opportunities in local business and industry. Each campus conducts courses and programs attuned to the needs of its local community, at the same time complementing courses offered elsewhere in the Institute, to ensure a comprehensive range of vocational pathways is available.
