Sydney apprentices say TAFE training outdated and irrelevant

Tradies and apprentices have delivered a scathing review of TAFE NSW — describing the current curriculum as “outdated” and “mind-boggling”.

Exclusive: Tradies and apprentices have delivered a scathing review of TAFE NSW — describing the current curriculum as “outdated” and “mind-boggling”.

The Daily Telegraph has been told pointless subjects, historic teaching methods and a lack of flexibility are some of the ongoing issues for young apprentices to navigate.

It comes as the federal government prepares to hand NSW 147,000 free TAFE positions over the next three years.

“I went all the way to Year 12 and did Advanced mathematics. But the maths required at TAFE is next level,” said 22-year-old apprentice electrician James in Doonside.

To qualify, he is required to complete a Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician which involves eight hours of classes per week for four years.

Electrician Simon Reed, who owns Insight Electrical and Communications, with apprentices Logan Smith and James at a job site in Penrith. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

His TAFE course has required him to learn complicated maths branches including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

“The maths I’m stuck on at TAFE … you honestly don’t need it on the job. My boss would happily sign me off as qualified but the course work is holding me back,” he said.

His boss Simon Reed, who runs Insight Electrical and Communications, adds: “They spend too much time focusing on coursework they will never have to use.

“It makes their lives harder than it has to be. If one of my apprentices fails a subject, they have to start all over again,” Mr Reed said.

“Some of the mathematics is mind-boggling and a lot of it is now done by computer programs.

“And the worst part is you can graduate but still be hopeless on the tools.”

Haydon Pyotand, 18, is training to be a carpenter and says some of the methods at TAFE are “outdated.”

“They teach you a lot of things but it’s old school carpentry. It’s all outdated ways of doing stuff. Some teachers still make you cut things by hand — which you would never do on a job site,” he said.

Hayden Pyotend says TAFE teaches him to cut wood by hand, which he never does at work.

James says he has to study maths that he never uses on the job.

“They also don’t let you use a nail gun. You get people who are really good at the course theory and exams, but they go out to do the practical work and can’t even use a hammer!”

NSW is in the midst of a year-long review of the TAFE and VET programs, announced by the Minns government in response to a 67 per cent drop in course completions, 28 per cent fall in enrolments and commencements dropping by one-third over the past decade.

NSW Minister for Skills and TAFE Steve Whan argued there had been a significant uptake in enrolments since the free positions became available last year.

“The NSW government is addressing these challenges by restoring TAFE. It is encouraging to see the demand for apprenticeships rising” he said.

Electrical apprentice Logan Smith works for Insight Electrical and Communications in Penrith. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

The NSW Teachers Federation believes the poor wages on offer are driving some of the most talented teachers away from the TAFE system.

“It’s extremely hard for TAFE to compete for good people … when many experts can earn significantly more working for private colleges and companies,” said NSW Teachers Federation president Henry Rajendra.

A growing housing crisis has resulted in calls for overseas tradies to be prioritised in Australia’s migration queue.

The Daily Telegraph’s editor says:

There are many extremely sound reasons to take up an apprenticeship.

Among them are solid career options, economic self-sufficiency and the pure satisfaction and sense of accomplishment derived from proper hands-on work.

Here’s another reason. Becoming an apprentice means avoiding much of the pointless academic grind associated with non-apprenticeship pursuits.

Well, that’s how it should be.

But tradies and apprentices who’ve experienced TAFE courses say that too much time is wasted on useless esoteric nonsense.

As 22-year-old Doonside apprentice electrician James told The Daily Telegraph, his TAFE course requires him to learn needlessly complicated maths branches, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

“The maths I’m stuck on at TAFE … you honestly don’t need it on the job,” James accurately observed.

“My boss would happily sign me off as qualified, but the course work is holding me back.”

As frustrating as this is to read about, it must be massively more frustrating to endure. Imagine how many potentially terrific tradies have quit their craft because the course work drove them away.

Fix it now. Like a tradie would.