Enrolments at TAFE Queensland Bundaberg have increased by 13.6 per cent as a result of greater engagement with schools and an interest in upskilling fuelled by COVID-19.
TAFE Queensland general manager (East Coast region) Ana Rodger said the jump in student enrolments was recorded in the 2019-20 financial year.
“This growth is most likely a result of local people looking to change careers, enhance their employment prospects, or develop their skills to fill gaps identified within their organisations in the wake of the pandemic,” Ms Rodgers said.
“Individual support (aged care), engineering (mechanical trade) and electrotechnology currently remain among Bundaberg’s most popular courses.
“However we have also seen significant growth in a number of entry-level qualifications across study areas that lead to outcomes in industries that have thrived during the pandemic including business administration, information technology, individual support, and health services assistance.”
“Quality training will play an important role in the state’s recovery over the coming months, providing Queenslanders with the skills they need to gain employment or enhance their organisation’s success.”
TAFE Bundaberg enrolments increase
Ms Rodgers said the TAFE at School program was another great success story of the Bundaberg campus, with student numbers increasing by 86 per cent from 2018 to 2020.
“As a result, we have expanded our course offerings in this space, and high school students are now able to commence their careers in plumbing, construction, engineering pathways, and community services while they complete their schooling.
““In 2019, TAFE Queensland also began offering its Trade Taster program to local year 10 students, providing high schoolers with the opportunity to sample a variety of trades and see what piques their interest.
“This program has contributed to the growth at TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg campus, with several Trade Taster students choosing to get a head-start in their careers by enrolling in a qualification through our TAFE at School program as a direct result of their experience.”
She said TAFE Queensland continued to work closely with local industry and gauge local interest to identify the most relevant and in-demand qualifications for the region.
“We are responding to these skills gaps by adding more courses and tailoring our offerings to fulfil these needs,” Ms Rodgers said.
“For example, we recognise the vital role the agriculture sector plays in Bundaberg and its economy, and are consulting with local industry to deliver programs that cater to their specific needs, in addition to expanding our course offerings next semester to include the Certificate III in Horticulture/ Diploma of Conservation and Land Management.”
Ms Rodgers said as the state’s largest and most experienced provider of vocational education and training TAFE Queensland provided hands-on, practical training, delivered by industry experts, across more than 500 qualifications delivered online, in workplaces and in over 50 campuses across Queensland, including Bundaberg.
“We offer a variety of courses and pathways for students to achieve their career goals, whether they are looking to kick-start their post-school studies, switch to a new career, or strengthen their future prospects within their existing industry by upskilling.”
- Other news: TAFE students showcase hospitality skills
