MPs briefed
By Linda Simon
State MPs have been briefed on recent reviews, reports and inquiries about TAFE.
In the week starting November 20 Federation TAFE representatives told MPs about three inquiries, a report and the State Plan.
IPART review
The Minister for Education and Training commissioned a report by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) into a review of the skills base in NSW and the future challenges for vocational education and training. The recent draft report from this review has stated the NSW Government needs to recognise TAFE as a key partner in the state's economic development, and that the Government adopt workforce development as a whole of government policy framework. The draft also stated TAFE should increase the capacity of individuals to participate effectively in the workforce throughout their working lives, and should work with firms to increase their capacity to adopt high-performance practices.
The IPART draft reported there was a need for additional funding for vocational education and training, an increase of an average 2.5 per cent per annum over the next 20 years. This is on the basis of additional training for those not currently in the workforce, the upgrading of skills for those in the workforce and assisting those underemployed to maintain skills and move to use them. There is also a recommendation to increase funding for pre vocational and apprenticeship training.
Value of TAFE
The Complete Package -- The Value of TAFE NSW report by the Allen Consulting Group (ACG) describes TAFE NSW as "the complete package", and "the only training provider able to meet the diverse requirements of individuals, employers, communities and regions". They estimated that over the next 20 years, TAFE NSW's contribution to the state economy would be worth $196 billion. They calculate that for every dollar invested in TAFE NSW, it generates benefits worth $6.40. This is a 640 percent return on investment over 20 years.
Without TAFE NSW, the Allen Consulting Group projects that:
- state productivity would steadily decline
- wages would fall
- employment would weaken, and
- regional economies would be disproportionately harmed.
Rural and regional skills shortages
The Legislative Council's Standing Committee on State Development May 2006 report on its inquiry into skills shortages in rural and regional NSW recognised the importance of TAFE in rural and regional areas, and recommends that options for longer term funding mechanisms be investigated, as well as options that encourage and recognise time spent by TAFE Institutes in developing training courses that meet the needs of industry.
TAFE Futures Inquiry
The national TAFE Futures Inquiry, conducted by Dr Peter Kell from Wollongong University and commissioned by the Australian Education Union, recommended increased funding and made the following points about TAFE:
- TAFE is working well, with students and employers indicating high levels of satisfaction
- people in rural and regional areas have a strong commitment to 'their TAFE' and see it as an important part of their communities
- students spoke of the 'life-changing' opportunities that TAFE gave them
- TAFE worked best when there were strong partnerships with local industries and communities
- student poverty is starkly confronting, and there is a need for TAFE to consider how it supports students better in meeting the costs of their education, and in associated expenses of transport, food and accommodation
- fees and charges were not seen as being fair, rational or systematic
- the TAFE workforce is one of the most highly casualised in the economy, and in some areas TAFE teachers are earning less than students who have just completed a course
- the skills shortages in the economy are replicated in TAFE, and there is a growing shortage of TAFE teachers
- the Federal Government is hostile to TAFE. Its funding policies favour the private sector and its priorities are not directed to building or supporting TAFE
- TAFE funding has been drastically cut over the last decade, and the effects are being felt in the erosion of TAFE's commitment to access, equity and social justice; in the cuts to courses and course hours; and in the lack of cutting-edge equipment and resources.
NSW State Plan
The NSW State Plan launched on November 14 states: "Our economy will require more people with skills and more people with higher skills over the next 20 years. This will require further investment in TAFE to adopt a stronger workforce development approach and deliver the training places necessary to meet industry demands," and, "Within each region training providers such as TAFE Institutes will need to have the ability to respond flexibly to engage with industry and provide relevant services including training. Support will be given to TAFE Institutes to work in partnership with local businesses and industries to assist in workforce development and foster economic growth within the region."
Linda Simon is TAFE TA Secretary.
TAFE demands on state politicians
For further information
December 2006 contents
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