Western Australian TAFE colleges have adapted their training delivery to enable students to continue their studies, with Term 2 beginning tomorrow Tuesday April 28.
Using a blended delivery approach Term 2 will include learning via online and interactive technologies, and will include face-to-face delivery where necessary and where adequate social distancing measures can be implemented.
Blended delivery allows training to continue in line with the latest COVID-19 health advice around social distancing measures, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Courses previously delivered online will continue to be delivered online.
To ensure regulatory and/or industry requirements are met, practical learning and assessments have largely been deferred to when students can safely return to campus.
TAFE colleges will work with students to identify solutions for their specific circumstances and will be assisted to complete their courses without extra cost.
The McGowan Government has also fast-tracked vital funding for TAFE and some specialist private training providers to roll out new training for the State's aged care and disability sectors.
The COVID-19 Direct Care Skill Set will assist in protecting vulnerable people, aged care and disability workers from exposure to infectious disease. The course will run for up to two weeks, be over 99 per cent subsidised and will cost $22.
The skill set was co-designed by employers, the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council and WA's vocational education and training (VET) sector to meet the needs of industry.
Further information on the blended delivery of learning at TAFE colleges and the COVID-19 Direct Care Skill Set can be found at http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented - our TAFE colleges have been working hard to support students get back into training this term.
"It is critical we continue to train people in courses that will help boost the economy.
"We have cut fees for 34 priority TAFE courses by 50 per cent to encourage more people back into training - which will be especially important in the post-COVID19 economic recovery period.
"My Government is taking swift action to support Western Australians and to ensure our frontline workers have the knowledge and skills to provide care safely and effectively to some of our most vulnerable people."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The State's economic recovery will require the VET sector to respond quickly to industry and deliver training for emerging skills needed in the community.
"Right now we know there's a demand for skills in infectious disease management.
"The COVID-19 Direct Care Skill Set allows workers in the aged care and disability sectors to upskill and helps people seeking to work in care roles to reskill quickly."
