North Coast Institute helping to solve skill shortage problem in region

The much-discussed issue of skills shortage in industry is a major priority for TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute, and a number of recent initiatives and successes for the Institute can be reported in this area.

The Institute has recently invested nearly $750,000 into addressing the skill shortage problem, with just under $400,000 being targeted at the construction, transport and engineering industries. “This has been specifically done to address the worrying shortage of skilled tradespeople in our region, which depends heavily on the construction, transport and engineering workforce to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population,” said Mr Neil Black, Director of the North Coast Institute. “It was clear that we had to inject extra funding in order to help deal with the demand that has been created, and we expect that benefits will flow from this funding in the next 12 months.”

Additionally, Mr Black reported that the Institute had been extremely successful in attracting targeted government funding for courses that address the skills shortage challenge. “Thanks to this additional funding, we are able to run up to 50 specifically designed courses in varying locations throughout the North Coast ,” Mr Black said. These courses are designed for people seeking a trade apprenticeship or other employment in industries where there are skill shortages. The courses teach skills that will improve the learners’ chances of being selected in their preferred area of work. “A significant percentage of our community on the North Coast don’t consider industry employment or apprenticeships because they feel they don’t have the skills, and these programs enable them to widen their choices,” said Mr Black.

Mr Black emphasised that TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute was committed to meeting industry requirements in delivering trade qualifications for apprentices. “Apprentices employed by industry and studying with the North Coast Institute are receiving high quality education and training that is relevant to their industry – and all they have to pay is the annual TAFE NSW fee for apprentices, which will be $358 in 2005,” said Mr Black.

Mr Black made this observation in response to anecdotal comments that have been made about hairdressing apprentices on the North Coast having to pay thousands of dollars for their apprenticeship training. “It’s simply not true. However, it is true that there are some ‘fast-track’ options for people who are prepared to pay to gain a qualification in a trade area without going down the apprenticeship pathway. These are very intensive courses, largely in hairdressing, construction and engineering, and they are offered on a flexible or module-by-module basis to allow people to fit their study into existing work commitments.”

Mr Black said that there has been a national shift in government funding of institution-based apprentice training to funding industry-based apprentice training, and a successful outcome to the skills shortage challenge depends on industry playing their part.

Mr Black also took the opportunity to remind anyone on the north Coast thinking of doing a TAFE NSW course in 2005 that applications for high demand courses close on October 29, and the earlier that people got any application in or enquired about a specific course, the better. “I’d hate to see anyone miss out because they waited until the New Year,” Mr Black said. He also said that there would also be Information Sessions run on particular courses between now and the end of the year, and for more information about these sessions or applications, people should either phone their local campus, the Course Information Hotline or log onto www.nci.tafenws.edu.au