Extensive work over the past three years has paid off for Hunter TAFE.

Hunter TAFE CEO, Christine Warrington, said that significant work to prepare for the changes brought about by the NSW Smart & Skilled Reforms had paid-off.

 

'We are confident that the execution of our Strategic Plan including the organisations brand repositioning and major structural and system changes has prepared the business for the ongoing and changing needs of our region,' Ms Warrington said.

At the launch of Hunter TAFE’s 2014 Community & Industry Report Ms Warrington outlined the organisation's achievements over the past 12 months to an audience of more than 80 business and community leaders from the Hunter and Central Coast. “Hunter TAFE was awarded one of the largest contracts in NSW under the Smart & Skilled reform.”

 

Ms Warrington said that the contract was underpinned by the support of the Central Coast and Hunter Regions.

“Delivering quality education is at the centre of our business. A major focus for Hunter TAFE is developing better ways to connect and increase collaboration with business and industry communities to meet the modern needs of our customers.”

“As a result, the 2014 National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Student Outcomes Report showed 95.7% of customers would recommend us to others, more than 5.5% above the industry average,” said Ms Warrington.

 

“We continued to work closely with industry partners to ensure we can deliver job-ready skills. This collaboration has enabled us to offer courses that include practical placements, greater flexibility and utilise the latest technology,” she said.

“Our people are among the world's best and remain our most valued asset with staff and students achieving excellence across all career areas. In 2014 they were recognised with more than 50 awards including the prestigious WorldSkills Evatt Shield as the best performing region in Australia,” she said.

 

Ms Warrington also told guests that early indications were that 2015 enrolments were strong and as expected. With increased interest in areas such as aged care and disability, nursing, community services, mining, automotive, children services, commercial cookery and construction.

“2014 was a year of challenge and change, but as Australia’s largest regional Vocational Education and Training provider we are well positioned to provide the highest quality, employment ready programs and courses to meet the best interests of those with whom we connect,” Ms Warrington said.