TAFE NSW calls in McKinsey, meanwhile deaf students lose out

'TAFE NSW has appointed a new tier of 14 general managers, and signed a $1.65 million contract with McKinsey to "comprehensively restructure" before an expected 2018 national takeover of vocational training.

The millions of dollars being poured into head office, at the same time as classes, teaching staff and disability support workers continue to be cut at TAFE campuses, has angered parents and students.'

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/nsw/tafe-nsw-calls-in-mckinsey-meanwhile-deaf-students-lose-out-20160528-gp6886.html#ixzz4A2S7gkd4
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2016 Federal Election

This Federal Election, the TAFE Community Alliance seeks a commitment from all political parties to act to ensure that the TAFE system across all states and territories is not run into the ground by continuing to implement the current suite of flawed national policies that have done great damage to our nation’s skills pool, to the quality and reputation of the VET system and, to the lives of so many individuals.

Affordable, accessible, flexible, innovative and deliver value for money adult education

The national TAFE system needs to be affordable, accessible, flexible, innovative and deliver value for money adult education. This cannot be achieved in the highly unpredictable, unstable end evidence-free policy environment that has consumed the VET system in recent years.

New national agreement on skills training

A new national agreement on skills training between all Australian governments is needed. This must recognise and support the irreplaceable role of TAFE in servicing the training needs of industry, regions and local communities. That role spans high level training and workforce development for industries and improved skill and job outcomes for disadvantaged learners and communities.

Contestability and marketization has not delivered!

A government-constructed artificial training market has failed, particularly in outer metropolitan, rural and remote parts of Australia. Contestability and marketization has not delivered. TAFE is still doing the heavy lifting in delivering high quality skills, qualifications and jobs, especially for apprentices who rely so heavily on TAFE because private providers chase higher profits elsewhere.

Touchstone for Quality Training

TAFE remains the national touchstone for quality training. Employers and students have consistently expressed high levels of satisfaction with the quality of TAFE training. Yet, the Federal Government has continued to implement policies that preference private provision, irrespective of quality.

Ongoing National Scandals

Alliance members have been appalled by the continuing national scandals surrounding poorly regulated private training providers and the blatant rip-offs and rorts. These scandals have damaged Australia’s international reputation and its standing as a reliable provider of technical and vocational education and training.