Research shows TAFE offers employment success and health
Thursday 19th January 2007
Research released recently by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) provides interesting statistics for the thousands of school-leavers thinking about their study and career options for 2007.
The NCVER Student Outcome Survey reported that nearly 80% of the students who graduated from courses at TAFE institutes, other government providers or community education providers were employed after their training. Separate NCVER research into people with degree and diploma level qualifications showed that they were more likely to have better physical and mental health than people with qualifications from Year 11 and below.
Elizabeth McGregor, the Director of TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute says that these research results are great affirmation of the effort and achievements of the Institute’s students and staff.
‘It is also confirmation that our focus on developing a range of learning and career pathways from Year 10 through to university for our North Coast community is absolutely on the right track,’ says Ms McGregor.
Ms McGregor is referring to the Institute’s partnerships with the school sector and regional universities that enable students to participate in initiatives like School-based Traineeships, VET (Vocational Education and Training) for Schools and credit from TAFE Diploma programs into University degree programs.
‘Both the University of Newcastle and Southern Cross University are guaranteeing university places to North Coast Institute students with Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications, ” says Ms McGregor.
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) website describes the Centre as ‘a not-for-profit company owned by the federal, state and territory ministers responsible for training’.
It is responsible for collecting, managing, analysing, evaluating and communicating research and statistics about vocational education and training.
Further details about both research reports (Student Outcome Survey, 1 December 2006 and Vocational education and training, health and wellbeing; 5 December 2006) can be found on the NCVER website at www.ncver.edu.au/publications.
Ms McGregor encouraged anyone reviewing their study and career in 2007 to contact TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute to explore options. ‘We are enrolling now, and not only are there are a number of vacancies in a range of courses, there are also many flexible study options,’ says Ms McGregor.
