CELEBRATING NATIONAL TAFE DAY

Today is National TAFE Day, a day to celebrate the teachers, students and communities that make TAFE such a powerful public institution.

AEU TAFE delegates from around the country have come to Canberra today to meet with politicians across Federal Parliament to discuss the importance of TAFE, and the need for the TAFE teaching workforce to be fully supported with the resources they need to deliver high quality vocational education.

National TAFE Day will conclude with a celebration of TAFE students and teachers at the annual TAFE Photography Competition, held in Parliament House.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said properly funded vocational education does not just upskill Australia’s workers, it transforms lives, strengthens communities, and builds industries.

“We know the social and economic returns of a strong, public TAFE system are immense,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“TAFE has been a gateway to a better future for so many students. It creates genuine pathways into employment and provides a bridge to lifelong learning and professional success.”

With Free TAFE now enshrined in law by the Albanese Government, there have been more than 650,000 enrolments in life-changing courses in critical industries. However, the success of Free TAFE relies on TAFE teachers having fair pay, secure jobs and manageable workloads.

At the National TAFE Council AGM held in Canberra this week the AEU has committed to call on the Federal Government to:

• Ensure all governments continue to fund and support TAFE, including investment in the teaching workforce and infrastructure
• Hold states and territories to account for decision making on the allocation of places under the Free TAFE legislation
• Acknowledge that when funding fluctuates, job insecurity increases for TAFE teachers
• Provide further financial support to ensure all students can complete mandatory placements to meet the requirements of their qualification
• Ensure that all TAFE Institutes provide their students with appropriate and accessible devices with which to learn, and access to stable internet where required for their coursework and off campus learning

“By investing in TAFE, we invest in skills, in equity, and in the belief that every Australian deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“If we are serious about rebuilding TAFE and ensuring it can deliver for students and communities, then we must invest in the people who make it possible – TAFE teachers and staff.”

“This National TAFE Day, let’s celebrate public vocational education and the teachers, students and communities who make TAFE such an important part of Australia.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kylie Jensen – 0402 298 728