Terrific stories about how TAFE can change people’s lives were revealed by locals at the Riverside Markets in Kempsey on Saturday, Federation TAFE Organiser Adam Curlis said.
Current and former students praised the TAFE system for teaching fabulous skills, raising their confidence and offering fantastic support.
Stall holder, Maxine, said: “TAFE started me on a career, which has turned into a vocation.” She started her organic plants business after completing Certificate 3 Horticulture and Certificate 4 Organics at Coffs Harbour TAFE.
TAFE Teachers Association members and support staff from Kempsey, Taree and Coffs Harbour TAFE campuses run a stall at the market each year, in support of the Stop TAFE Cuts campaign.
“Many of the people we spoke with were concerned about the cuts to TAFE funding across NSW and the impact it has on their children getting a quality public education at TAFE,” Mr Curlis said.
Visitors signed a petition calling on state and federal governments to guarantee a minimum of 70 per cent of government funding goes to TAFE.