TAFE SA records highest ranking of student satisfaction in the nation

TAFE SA’s Honour Awards for 2022 have been handed out, as the organisation tops the country for a key student ranking.

Moana from Finesse models wearing a wedding dress made from plastic bags created by fashion Tafe SA/Flinders graduate Ella Bowen (left). Picture: Tom Huntley

An overhaul of government vocational training organisation TAFE SA has seen it achieve the nation’s top rankings for student satisfaction.

A survey of student outcomes by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reported a 93.1 per cent rating, exceeding other TAFE institutes and VET providers across the country.

The annual survey also found 88.7 per cent of TAFE SA students would recommend its training programs while 87.9 per cent would recommend it as their preferred training provider.

The results of the survey were detailed in TAFE SA’S 2020-21 annual report, tabled in state parliament during the week.

TAFE SA student James Nicholas from Bar: Musque in Tanunda at his first day studying wines and spirit education trust at TAFE SA. Picture: Tom Huntley

Chief executive David Coltman said TAFE SA had been able to continue delivering quality training across the state despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“A lot has been achieved over the past financial year and I am extremely proud of the quality teaching being provided to our students, supported by the increased investment in advanced technology and digital solutions,” he said.

“Our focus continues to remain on providing a quality experience for our students.”

Mr Coltman said the use of interactive technologies, including simulators and digital platforms, had provided students with increased accessibility to quality training.

TAFE SA also had introduced a new graduate awards program, with this year’s recipients receiving their awards at a ceremony at the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday night.

Mr Coltman said TAFE SA had increased its commitment in regional areas through new planning while an Aboriginal Access Centre had introduced pre-employment programs.

“We also have continued investment in our campuses to support the needs of our students while delivering new courses to meet industry needs,” he said.

“We also have a suite of micro-credentials to supply in-demand skills, know-how and experience.”

High school students Lily Harbottle and Kiarna Falzon at a girls-only TAFE SA program to give school students a hands-on taste of working in the building trades industry. Picture: Matt Turner.

Mr Coltman said TAFE SA – which delivered more than 11 million hours of training at 30 sites across the state over the past 12 months – recently had been named South Australia’s Training Provider of the Year.

Education, Training and Skills Minister Blair Boyer said TAFE SA was a critical part of SA’s skills system.

“With TAFE SA delivering 10,000 fee-free courses from next year, we’re giving more South Australians the skills they need for the job they want,” he said.