A  Taste of TAFE

Wednesday 8 November 2006

High school students will have the opportunity to gain a Taste of TAFE through the TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute to help them decide their future career. This initiative, part of the NSW government’s strategy for students between the ages of 15 and 19, will be run at TAFE campuses throughout NSW in late 2006 and early 2007.

“Whether a student is considering a career in a trade or technical area, or simply not sure which career option to pursue, Taste of TAFE will give them the practical information they need,” says the Director of the North Coast Institute, Elizabeth McGregor.

“Courses range from half a day, through to more than a month (part-time) in length. The courses provide the opportunity for students to experience hands-on, practical skills training so they can see the benefits of gaining a trade or technical skills.

“Students will get a taste of careers in hospitality, beauty therapy, construction, metals and engineering, nursing and electro-technology. This is a critical period in young people’s lives, and this opportunity gives them a valuable experience to help them assess where their future career lies,” says Ms McGregor.

Ms McGregor said that they were hoping the experience that students have with “Taste of TAFE” will encourage them to consider further TAFE studies, including in the apprenticeship and trainee areas where job opportunities have been growing. “Last year in NSW, there was a 12.9 per cent increase in apprenticeship enrolments - 40,000 in total. Here on the north Coast we experienced over 30% increase in apprenticeship enrolments,” says Ms McGregor.

At TAFE NSW North Coast Institute, the following courses will be run as follows:

Taree campus:

Kempsey campus:

Port Macquarie campus:

Introduction to Beauty – 2 day program
Commences 9th November