Media releases

TAFE Talks – a new series of information sessions that aim to change the conversation around vocational education – will get underway at Federation TAFE today.

With many industries facing skills shortages and strong growth, there is a demand for high quality candidates to enter vocational training.

Despite this, many schools still direct their students exclusively towards a university education, regardless of their style of learning or suitability for university studies.

TAFE Talks will shine a spotlight on vocational education in Ballarat and Western Victoria, bringing together industry experts, TAFE leaders and schools to shift thinking about how students learn, and the study and training options they are best suited for after secondary school.

The TAFE Talks series will focus on influential conversations from expert speakers on education, business, science, technology and creativity. 

The first TAFE Talks event will feature Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) Mark Hands, who will speak on how secondary schools can partner with industry to deliver better outcomes for students.

The AITC provides a three-year program for students in Years 10 to 12 on character and values, academic and enterprise skills, employability skills and industry readiness. 

The TAFE Talk will be held at Building S on the Ballarat SMB campus from 4:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesday, 4 March. The Australian Industry Group will also hold a focus group session for its members at 2.30pm, ahead of the TAFE Talk, to discuss the question: Quality apprentice candidates: is this possible for your business?

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Executive Director Barry Wright

“TAFE Talks are designed for employers, employees, careers advisors, parents and students. The talks will provide a new perspective on study, training and careers options and shine a spotlight on vocational training.”

“We want to encourage schools to focus on the individual student and the study options available to them so that the student can make an informed choice to obtain the knowledge and skills to enable them to secure a well-paying job and enjoy a satisfying career.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer of the AITC, Mark Hands

“The objective of the Australian Industry Trade College is to create skills by industry for industry. We get industry on board early and see what they want – and by doing this we train educated apprentices.”

“Our aim is to create skills that industry tells us work for them.”