TAFE SA begin internal consultation staff and propose nearly 30 job cuts
New leaks from TAFE SA reveal staff have been told to expect sweeping job cuts as the educational institution struggles to meet budget targets. SEE THE DOCUMENTS.
Education
Don't miss out on the headlines from Education. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- TAFE SA managers fear savings may force campus closures
- Subscriber rewards: Win Adelaide Oval Stadium Club memberships
Nearly 30 senior jobs at TAFE-SA could be cut, as the vocational training organisation struggles with high operating costs and low completion rates.
A slide show of an internal presentation to staff, leaked to The Advertiser, reveals TAFE SA are planning sweeping job cuts across top-level positions.
In Wednesday’s presentation, which was part of a consultation process with staff, it was proposed that 13 Principal Lecturers should be cut, reducing the current number from 41 to 28.
It was also suggested to staff that 12 Education Managers should be axed, as well as two Business Operation Managers and two Business Directors.
The reasons for the proposed changes, as explained in the first slide, include dwindling student numbers, low completion rates and high operating costs.
“Government funded VET students have decreased by 42% since 2013,” it says.
“VET Program completion rates have decreased by 68% since 2013 (and) TAFE SA’s operating costs are 20% higher than average Australian TAFE.”
TAFE SA boss David Coltman confirmed they started the consultation process this week.
“TAFE SA is now more than ever committed to meeting the needs of South Australian industries and communities,” he told The Advertiser.
“Following the consultation period, changes will only be implemented if we are confident that they will improve our responsiveness to our students, and to the communities and industries we serve.”
Australian Education Union SA president Lara Golding responded to the suggested changes, saying “removing educational leadership from within TAFE would compromise student learning and educational support for students”.
“The Marshall Government’s relentless attacks on TAFE have created deep uncertainty for staff, students and the community,” she said.
The proposed cuts come as TAFE SA managers are warning workers that crippling savings targets could force more campus closures.
Education Minister John Gardner said the Government had injected $135 million into TAFE in past two years.
“TAFE SA must continue to transform its operations so that it can be a sustainable training provider that provides quality and industry demanded training options for all South Australians,” he said.