Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is demanding a guarantee on the future of Gosford TAFE, with the State Government refusing to rule out privatisation, cutting courses, closing campuses and increasing fees across the TAFE network.
Tesch was on site on March 12, with Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE, Jihad Dib, launching a petition to save and rebuild Gosford TAFE, which they say is at risk of “becoming the next item in Gladys Berejiklian’s selloff”.
“For more than 70 years, Gosford TAFE has been an educational hub for local students to upskill and gain qualifications,” Tesch said.
“Since the Liberals came to power, courses have been reduced, class hours have been cut, and Coasties have been forced up and down the train line to courses that were previously available locally.
“Gosford TAFE is such an important local institution.
“Our TAFE teachers and staff are working harder than ever, but they can only do so much.
“TAFE is in need of serious help, especially as Central Coast youth unemployment figures continue to rise.”
Shadow Minister Dib said investing in TAFE was critical to combat skill shortages in NSW.
“Real and meaningful investment in education and training is more important than ever, but the Berejiklian Government doesn’t believe in TAFE,” he said.
“We’ve got a situation now where we’ve got 175,000 fewer students and 5,000 fewer staff in TAFE, leading to less courses being offered.”
But Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said between 2017 and 2019, enrolments had increased by 4 per cent at the Gosford, Wyong and Ourimbah TAFE campuses.
“Enrolment increases were particularly strong in areas of high skills demand,” he said.
“This includes Certificate II in Construction, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, Certificate III and IV in Community Services and Diploma of Nursing.
“The NSW Government is also offering 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships to people across the state.
“This makes it easier for employers to hire apprentices and encourages more people to take up apprenticeships.
“Between 2017 and 2019, staff numbers increased by 8.5 per cent at the Gosford, Wyong and Ourimbah TAFE campuses.”
Source:
Media releases, Mar 12
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, and Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE, Jihad Dib
Member for Terrigal,
Adam Crouch