TasTAFE teaching must be practical

I HAVE been a tradesperson for more than 40 years with at least 15 in adult and apprentice training and supervisory roles. I and many others in the construction and metals industry are dumbfounded at the recent poor standard of apprentice skill levels.

It has come to our attention that the apprenticeship system in Tasmania is to be primarily delivered through an online based platform. Whoever determined this to be the best system has obviously never been in, nor practised a trade.

Tasmania had one of the best training systems in Australia and unfortunately this is no longer the case. The training system today is too book-based with the basic trade skills no longer taught correctly. If this type of online system is to be adopted across the board it will be to the detriment of all trades. It is fine for teaching some parts of the theory components but can go no further.

All trades are skills-based and the only method for teaching is a simulated work environment with practical application from trade-qualified teachers. TAFE teachers should be concentrating on practical applied teaching and not the large amount of administration they are required to do. This would enable more time for student interaction. One of the state’s largest employers is developing its own metal fabrication training school almost next door to the TAFE Metals Trades School. We are continually reminded that skilled labour is hard to come by in Tasmania. The workplace should be where these basic skills are applied, developed and improved, not taught. It is time the TAFE hierarchy and politicians took notice of all industry stakeholders and discussed these changes before implementing them. Bring us back to being one of the best instead of one of the worst in Australia. Wes Clark Glenorchy