Infrastructure boom driving up TAFE NSW trade enrolments

The NSW Government’s record investment in infrastructure is driving enrolment growth in trade qualifications at TAFE NSW, providing on the ground experience for apprentices and job opportunities for graduates.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister responsible for TAFE NSW Adam Marshall visited the Annandale Infrastructure Skills Centre today and welcomed new TAFE NSW data showing a 19 per cent increase in enrolments for electricians and an 11 per cent increase for carpenters and plumbers compared to this time last year.

Over 40 TAFE NSW apprentices are working on the Sydney Metro project, on top of the 238 and 157 for NorthConnex and WestConnex respectively, showing the NSW Government’s record investment in infrastructure is creating jobs for our TAFE students.

“This Government’s record $80 billion investment in infrastructure over the next four years has resulted in a construction boom across the State and a huge demand for tradies to build our future roads, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Here at the Annandale Infrastructure Skills Centre we can see firsthand how TAFE NSW is working alongside Australia’s largest public transport project, Sydney Metro, to get students hands on experience.

“This shows the NSW Government is responding to demand through TAFE NSW, which offers world class training significantly subsidised for students through our Smart and Skilled policy.”

Certificate III qualifications for key trades are listed on the NSW Government’s Skills List, enabling course fees for apprentices to be subsidised by between 75 to 85 per cent.

Students studying carpentry can save up to $10,670, plumbing up to $11,180 and electrical up to $11,300 when completing a Certificate III at TAFE NSW.

Mr Marshall said the steady growth of Certificate III trade enrolments demonstrated students are getting the opportunities and skills they need to get the jobs of the future.

“This steady growth in enrolments for qualifications addressing the State’s skills needs shows students are voting with their feet and choosing TAFE NSW as the provider of choice to launch their careers in trades,” Mr Marshall said.

“It’s been a year since the NSW Government implemented its One TAFE NSW model to strengthen and modernise TAFE NSW and steady growth in key trades qualifications show this work is paying off.

“This Government is cleaning up the mess inherited from Labor where TAFE NSW was crippled by mismanagement. Under Labor between 40 and 60 cents in every dollar of funding was spent on administration and back office management depriving students and staff of the resources they need.”