Change your future with TAFE
Wimmera and Grampians residents looking for a new career or to update their skills can take advantage of South West TAFE offering a range of new courses starting in July.
South West TAFE chief executive Mark Fidge said the current COVID-19 restrictions might have left people thinking about their future and needing to re-skill for a new career.
“With free training now on offer in courses where the demand for skilled workers is strongest, there’s never been a better time to start studying,” he said.
Mr Fidge said South West TAFE had more than 100 courses starting in July, ranging from community services, disability support and agriculture to horticulture, hairdressing and traditional trades.
He said with so many options available and a large number of Free TAFE courses on offer, it was the perfect time to consider educational options and make a change.
“Right now at South West TAFE we’re training people for careers the world needs and for jobs in demand,” he said.
“While we’ve had to change the way we currently train, we can still continue to offer all students the very best training via digital or remote methods.”
Horsham resident and South West
TAFE student Ty Stripp is nearing completion of his Certificate III in Parks and Gardens apprenticeship at Horsham Rural City Council.
Ty said he had always wanted to do an apprenticeship, but had never thought about parks and gardens as an option before he saw it advertised.
He said with the help of his colleagues and South West TAFE teachers he had gained extensive knowledge and a passion for working with trees. “It’s all been such an eye-opener. I love what I do,” he said.
“I’ve learnt so much during my three years and my teachers were always there whenever I needed help.”
Mr Fidge said the high rate of success of former South West TAFE students meant there was no need to wait to start studying.
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research found that last year, 91.3 percent of South West TAFE students found employment or enrolled in further study after training.
“Now more than ever, the skills required for high-demand jobs are learned at TAFE, and Free TAFE has removed the financial barrier for students wanting to undertake quality, accredited TAFE training,” Mr Fidge said.
He said anyone wanting to re-skill for a new career or to update their current skills should register for a virtual information session to chat to one of the organisation’s course specialists.
South West TAFE’S virtual information sessions are on Wednesday, June 17, at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 5.30pm.
People can register online at swtafe. edu.au or by calling 1300 648 911.