TasTAFE is refocusing its courses to better align with the skills Tasmanians need. Subsidies for 12 courses with consistently low enrolment will be redirected to areas with higher demand.
Minister for Skills and Jobs, Felix Ellis, said the average enrolment in these courses was around 20 students. Tasmanians appeared to be seeking these qualifications elsewhere.
“The changes to TasTAFE are about long-term viability and meeting the growing needs in our community in areas such as caregiving and construction,” Minister Ellis said. “These changes enable TasTAFE to support areas such as the new Health Hub, The Clean Energy Centre of Excellence, Health, Care and Trade areas with their future resource needs.”
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Master Builders Tasmania have supported the adjustments to TasTAFE course subsidies, which align with the Tasmanian Skills Plan.
Michael Bailey, CEO of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the need for flexibility in course offerings to meet employer demand. “Funding subsidies must be prioritised to training that helps people get a job and boosts workforce productivity,” he said.
Jenna Cairney, CEO of Master Builders Tasmania, highlighted the benefit for the construction sector. “It is important that TasTAFE is able to adjust subsidised course offerings to cater for growing areas of training demand, such as the building and construction trades, where there are strong employment outcomes and industry needs more skilled workers,” Ms Cairney said.
Minister Ellis welcomed the backing of both organisations, noting that collaboration with industry is key to ensuring TasTAFE courses remain relevant and practical.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
