Applications to study health courses at TAFE SA has increased by 25 per cent in the past three months, as interest explodes on the back of the coronavirus pandemic.
Applications have risen across TAFE SA as a whole by almost 10 per cent, as many South Australians look to reskill themselves in growth industries during the pandemic.
Health courses at TAFE SA have experienced the most growth of all program areas, with more than 3000 applications received across key health courses in Semester 2.
Other key growth areas include the Certificate IV in Cyber Security, which has seen a 126% increase in applications compared to this time last year.
The announcement comes as SATAC applications are open for 2021, with TAFE SA ticking over one million visits to its website since the end of April – a record high for the organisation.
Education Minister John Gardner said it is an important time for TAFE SA to play a key role in upskilling the South Australian workforce.
"TAFE SA, along with other vocational education providers, will be a vital contributor to the state's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic," said Minister Gardner.
"As more people seek to upskill and re-skill in the current economic environment, demand for vocational education qualifications is increasing.
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, TAFE SA has seen visits to its website reach an all-time high, and applications for the current term have increased by almost 10 per cent across the board compared to the same time last year.
"Health courses in particular are experiencing a rapid rise in interest as South Australians see an excellent opportunity to join this vital workforce.
"This is such a critical time for the state's economy, and TAFE SA is ready to support, educate and train South Australians to ensure they have the right skills for the right jobs."
Minister for Health Stephen Wade said the community was inspired by our health workers and the increased interest in TAFE SA courses was great to see.
"Our health heroes have been a shining light during dark and challenging times as we battle to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," said Minister Wade.
"We have all been inspired by their courage and self-sacrifice. It is great to see the next generation being inspired by their acts and ready to follow in their footsteps."
TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman said that TAFE SA and South Australian based vocational education providers are well prepared to support the increase in vocational education and training.
"We have seen an incredible transformation of TAFE SA, and the vocational education sector as a whole over the past few months. Our educators have modified and amended the way they deliver training and education so that students can continue their learning throughout the pandemic," said Mr Coltman.
"With applications now open for 2021, we hope to provide many more South Australians with the skills and knowledge they need to be job-ready for successful careers in the local workforce.
"We will continue to partner with industry, schools and our University partners across all of our program areas to make sure students are learning the latest skills, with the most up-to-date technology."
For course details and applications visit tafesa.edu.au
