TAFE stalls, others rise

GEELONG’S Gordon Institute of TAFE had no increase in government-subsidised enrolments last year but private and community training places jumped 130 per cent, a new report has revealed.
The Victorian Training Market report for 2012 showed enrolments at Gordon remained static at 16,300 but increased 32 per cent to 15,200 at private training companies and 130 per cent to 11,200 at community providers.
The report said the region now had 113 training providers, up 31 on 2011.
Gordon chief Grant Sutherland said the increase in government-subsidised enrolments was “positive news for the region”, with TAFE retaining its market share.
“Enrolments in TAFE during 2012 were very sound among this growth and increased competition,” Mr Sutherland said.
He envisaged significant adjustment to the training market this year, with private providers declining.
“The Gordon operates in a very competitive market. In recent years The Gordon has successfully made a number of changes to adapt to this free market.”
Gordon axed 55 jobs and 27 courses after a $14.6 million state funding cut last year as part of a state-wide shake-up of vocational education and training.
Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall said the report demonstrated the effectiveness of the Government’s reforms.
The report also revealed that Geelong’s percentage of fee-paying students increased 96 per cent to 6100.
Geelong had 42,700 government-subsidised vocational training enrolments, up 31 per cent.
Student numbers were up 26 per cent, with the growth mostly in health and community services, hospitality and retail training.
Apprenticeships and traineeships were up 14 per cent to 8600 enrolments.