General News
15 May, 2026
TAFE students achieving goals
THE findings of a Nous Group report showed that 94 per cent of regional TAFE students achieve their employment goals – such as getting a new job or a promotion.
This new data also indicated the vast majority of students who undertake TAFE study find new jobs in industries battling skills shortages.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said the report confirmed the value of TAFE for students, industry and the community.
“Victoria requires 1.4 million new workers by 2034,” he said.
“This demand cannot be met by newly trained labour alone. It will require large-scale reskilling and upskilling of the existing workforce and only the TAFE network can provide the skills and training needed at the speed and scale needed.”
Among priority sectors, clean energy with 94 per cent, and health technologies and construction with 92 per cent, show the strongest results.
About nine in 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieved their employment goal, and up to 91 per cent of students from disadvantaged, CALD and disability cohorts achieved their employment goals.
The new data comes as South West TAFE prepares to launch a new campaign `TAFE careers: Here Today, Here Tomorrow’.
Mr Fidge said TAFE trains the workers needed now and into the future across housing and construction, healthcare, aged care, and early childhood education, and the transition to renewable energy.
“These are essential services that communities rely on every day,” he said.
“The evidence is clear, when people enrol in TAFE, they are highly likely to achieve their employment goals. This includes in sectors where it’s needed most.”
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At South West TAFE, 88.3 per cent of students were employed or in further study after their course.
Of those already employed before training, 23.4 per cent were employed at a higher skill level after training.
Of qualification completers at South West TAFE, 92.6 per cent were satisfied with their training overall and 88.1 per cent likely to recommend their training provider.
Victorian TAFE Association chief executive Alex White said the report, ‘Employment outcomes for Victorian TAFE learners,’ highlighted the importance of the TAFE sector in delivering skilled workers into the labour market at a time of critical need for the state’s economy.
“At a time when our community needs more high wage, secure jobs, this data confirms that TAFE is a pathway to getting a job and getting ahead in a tough economy,” Mr White said.
According to the report, employment-related outcomes remain strong regardless of whether students complete their course, challenging the idea that course completion alone is an adequate measure of success.
Four in five TAFE students are studying for employment related reasons.
Mr White said the results underscored the importance of evaluating TAFE vocational outcomes by considering real-world outcomes.
“This new data shows TAFE is doing what it is meant to do - helping people get the skills they need to get a job and advance their career in an in-demand industry,” he said.
