Background

The Standing Committee on Education and Employments TAFE student survey was established to encourage participation into the inquiry by those that have experienced TAFE first-hand, or are considering TAFE as an option. The survey has been online for over a month and has received in excess of 3600 responses so far. Some interesting statistics from the survey have surfaced such as:

• 38.25% of respondents are over 50
• 65.76% of respondents are female
• 11.15% of respondents have a disability that affects work and/or study options
• Over 45% of respondents have completed a tertiary qualification
• At 42.36%, Business Administration, Information Communications & Technology are the most studied fields
• 64.52% of respondents indicate that the main purpose for their study was as a pathway for employment, whereas 18.89% indicate that their main purpose was as a pathway for further education

Is a TAFE qualification is valued in the workplace?

The survey asks respondents to rate how they feel a TAFE qualification is valued in the workplace, the quality of the teaching at TAFE, and their satisfaction with TAFE resources. Results indicate an average of 80% or above satisfaction rating for all three questions.

Many respondents feel that their experience with TAFE has benefited their personal situation:

• Was able to secure employment with my increased skill set
• Yes because I am improving
• …TAFE gave me flexibility that I needed
• It has improved my job opportunities
• I can honestly say that TAFE gave me a new life…
• Yes as it enable my carer (sic) advancement as a direct result of my study
• It has allowed me to explore a new career without committing to a Uni degree just yet
• I have had a job promotion since completing my TAFE course
• Provided me with the confidence to continue on to University and attain my degree

Others felt that their personal situation had not been benefited:

• TAFE has provided a qualification but not necessary (sic) the experience that comes with it
• I can not (sic) get a job in tourism because I still need to travel overseas
• I am still seeking employment and my three certificates from TAFE haven't helped
• A lack of resources including teacher availability has severely impacted on my learning experience
• It highlighted the fact that the trainers were a little out of touch
• …unfortunately, the course I had done stood for very little
• No benefit it has created more stress
• None. The workplace component was better, TAFE added no value to the process other than the resulting qualification

What are the most beneficial aspects of the TAFE system?

Respondents have commented that they believed the most beneficial aspects of the TAFE system are:

• Supportive teachers and staff
• Good choices and range of courses per campus
• The support services, counselling etc.
• Affordability
• National recognition
• That everyone who wants to learn can…
• Practical and Industry focused
• Quality of teaching and learning
• Industry respected and industry has input into what is taught

And respondents made suggestions on how they think the TAFE system can improve:

• Good long term contracts for teachers. Clear direction for students and staff
• Keep the fees low
• Having more time in the practical side for more hands on experience
• Less red tape and more flexibility
• I don't think TAFE needs to improve
• Teachers who are enthusiastic about further education
• Better access to equipment and utilitys (sic)