Study on rise as work falls

DESPITE a devastating blow to the economy, COVID-19 has proven to be a boon for some sectors of the education market, with domestic enrolment numbers on the up.

New student numbers at the Gold Coast TAFE have risen by 6 per cent during the pandemic compared to the same period last year, with more than 11,000 students undertaking training.

And Southern Cross University has announced a 20 per cent jump in domestic applications.

TAFE Queensland general manager on the Gold Coast Karen Dickinson said enrolments were still rolling in for semester two.

The most popular subjects continued to be nursing, electrotechnology and animal studies.

“But we are also seeing an increase in the number of young people commencing pre-apprenticeship training, as well as workers affected by COVID-19 using their time in isolation to upskill by undertaking our series of online isolearn micro-credentials and skill sets,” she said.

“Pre-apprenticeships are a great way for people looking to start a career in trades to gain foundation skills so they can be job-ready and add value to an employer right from day one of an apprenticeship.”

The Australian Industry Trade College at Robina also revealed 15 people signed to apprenticeships in April this year despite coronavirus restrictions.

This is almost twice the amount signed to apprenticeships in April 2019, when eight were recorded.

Chief executive Mark Hands said the Robina-based campus had a positive start to the year, with 19 students signing up the month earlier.

“While apprenticeships have plateaued due to COVID-19 restrictions and an economic downturn, industry has continued to see the value in our young people and signed up 38 students between March and May,” Mr Hands said.

“In fact, we had twice as many sign up in April year on year, at the height of restrictions.

“It’s no surprise that placements within hospitality, hairdressing and beauty, aged care and child care have seen a downturn since COVID-19, though we are starting to achieve some hospitality placements now that restrictions are easing.

“Electro, plumbing and carpentry are our three biggest trades on the AITC Gold Coast campus but we offer a variety of industry career opportunities.”

As an independent senior school with five campuses across southeast Queensland, the college allowed Years 10, 11 and 12 students to spend half their time completing their schooling and the rest in industry.

Mr Hands revealed there was a level of hesitation among some involved in industry to take on apprentices at the moment.

However he said confidence was starting to return across the Gold Coast.