TAFE SA will consider expanding courses at the Mount Gambier campus in a bid to address regional workforce needs and boost enrolment numbers at the Wireless Road site, new chief executive David Coltman says.
The site’s multi-million dollar facilities, which include a new information services area, administration offices and upgraded hair and beauty classrooms, were unveiled this week.
Mr Coltman said the new upgrades, which also include refurbishments to children’s services and individual support, would further support the attraction and retention of students in the region.
“By having facilities that are state of the art it will allow students to have quality educational tools whilst also staying at home here in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“Not only that but these facilities are as good as they get.
“They are top of the range.”
Mr Coltman said TAFE SA’s board members will visit Mount Gambier in the coming months to meet with businesses and lecturers to discuss potential programs.
“We will work alongside them within the next six months to finalise plans,” he said.
“Each regional area has a different educational need and I will come down in two weeks to see what the Mount Gambier community needs TAFE SA to expand on.”
Mr Coltman said the board is trying to “meet the needs of the community” as well as speak to the students about what they wish to study whilst staying closer to home.
“We are trying to encourage and grow regional studying options and make them the same as you would get in the city,” he said.
“They will use the same equipment they will use in real life scenarios rather than standard equipment.
“Why would people move away if they can stay here and study.”
TAFE SA Limestone Coast regional manager Tania Plunkett said the vocational education provider is building on its commitment to “provide a quality learning experience” for regional students to meet current and future workforce needs.
“Leadership and management training is one course that we have introduced across the region following feedback from the local business community,” she said.
“We had a huge response to the Diploma of Social Media Marketing when we offered on-site training recently also.”
Another course in high demand within the Limestone Coast includes a Certificate II in Plumbing which is foreshadowed to be available by August.
