Recent data indicates that more South Australian students are undertaking TAFE SA courses in industries with immediate employment opportunities, pursuing careers as electricians, plumbers and more.
Enrolment numbers for electrician and plumbing courses are now at the highest number they have ever been at Tonsley, while enrolments across all TAFE courses are up by more than 2100 students.
Figures show that students studying courses such as the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and Certificate II in Engineering Pathways have increased by over 100 students compared to last year, while Certificate III courses in areas such as plumbing and horticulture have increased their intake by more than 70 students.
The Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician has attracted higher enrolment numbers than any other course at TAFE SA, increasing to almost 1000 students, while the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways has more than tripled its enrolments by comparison to last year, to 152 students.
The fastest growing course is the new Certificate IV in Cyber Security, with a 1360% growth rate from 5 to 73 students, with the advent of the new Cyber Traineeship pathway.
Demand is also growing for the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, a relatively new qualification that provides language, literacy and numeracy skills training to build skills for work and for pathways into further VET opportunities, which has increased enrolments by more than 200 students this year.
Education Minister John Gardner said the numbers were a sign that the community's confidence in TAFE is growing.
"These enrolment numbers are a clear indication that South Australian job seekers are undertaking these courses with enhanced confidence in TAFE SA to deliver high quality training that meets the standards required and industry needs," said Minister Gardner.
"The increase in apprentice students studying the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician is an extremely positive sign for our economy that will create enhanced job opportunities for these students.
"It is also great to see the amazing enthusiasm for cyber traineeships - an area with massive growth potential for South Australia.
"We have confidence in TAFE SA to deliver on its fresh start and to set a benchmark for quality vocational education in South Australia for years to come."
TAFE SA Chief Executive, David Coltman, said that the growth in student numbers across some of the organisation's popular program areas was a positive sign for the future.
"It is an exciting time for TAFE SA, we have a strong focus on the quality of our training, along with the increased use of emerging technologies, so that we are ensuring our students are equipped with the right skills for the right jobs," Mr Coltman said.
"The increase in students across a variety of our courses indicates that we are on the right path, however there is more work to do as we seek continuous improvement across everything we do.
"We are working closely with industry to ensure we are meeting local skill requirements, including in regional areas across the state.
"TAFE SA has embarked on a fresh start and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure all of our education and training services are at the standard that students deserve."
The following courses have all increased enrolments by 50 students or more compared to last year:
Qualification Group Title Same Time Year to date Increase % Move
Last Year 2019-20
Certificate II in Skills for Work and 236 446 210 89%
Vocational Pathways
Certificate III in Electrotechnology 870 998 128 15%
Electrician
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways 45 152 107 238%
Certificate I in English Proficiency 435 538 103 24%
Certificate III in Community Services 106 207 101 95%
Certificate III in Plumbing 337 422 85 25%
Certificate III in Horticulture 189 260 71 38%
Certificate IV in English Proficiency 144 213 69 48%
Certificate IV in Government 20 89 69 345%
Certificate IV in Cyber Security 5 73 68 1360%
Certificate IV in Accounting and 442 504 62 14%
Bookkeeping
Diploma of Project Management 60 116 56 93%
