Last week, Angela Trevor-Jones (Student and Community engagement officer) and supported by Berni Aquilina (Head teacher for foundation skills), explained that TAFE NSW is undergoing a modernisation program. With the continued growth in the NSW economy the State needs a strong vocational education sector to grow the skilled workforce to meet employer needs including those from new and emerging industries.
TAFE NSW, as the leading public provider of vocational education and training, has a significant role to play in this future, particularly in rural and regional NSW. Angela further explained that TAFE NSW will move away from the separate “Institute” model to a “One TAFE NSW “model that enhances sharing of resources, assets and knowledge. A model where service delivery is driven by regional and local needs.
TAFE NSW will be aligned to the requirements of the modern economy and use contemporary learning methods to equip students with the skills that will set them up for success into the future.
Two of TAFE NSW priority initiatives are to expand access to services across regional and remote NSW and to enhance pathway programs for the disadvantaged and youths at risk. Angela mentioned that financially disadvantaged students will still need a helping hand to fund educational equipment/ resources to enable them to complete a course.
Angela outlined TAFE’s sponsorship program and gave numerous examples of how just a little bit of funding can go a long way. Remember what Mother Teresa said? “Be faithful of small things because it is in them that your strength lies“.
Dennis thanked Angela for her informative presentation.
