TAFE Western a major contributor to region's economy

According to the Western Research Institute, TAFE Western contributes significantly to the economy of the western region supporting more than 1600 jobs and 155 million dollars a year when flow-on spending benefits are taken into consideration.

Tom Murphy CEO of the Western Research Institute presented the findings of the recent study, that looks at the economic impact of TAFE Western in the region, to local mayors, community and industry partners and other key stakeholders at a luncheon hosted by the Western Institute last week at the Orange College.

Mr Murphy said, “the study found TAFE Western is one of the largest employers in Western NSW and supports more than 1600 jobs when flow-on impacts are included. This is equivalent to nearly 10% of the jobs supported by the combined agriculture and mining sectors in the region.  The study also found that TAFE Western’s operations contributed $155 million to the western region when all impacts are included, which represents 1% of the region’s economy.”

“In addition, TAFE Western underpins the skill base of industry in the region. One third of the western the region population hold a TAFE qualification at Certificate III level or higher.  In mining the figure is 46% while in construction it is 53%,” Mr Murphy said.  “Research indicates that a TAFE qualification has a direct benefit to the individual with employees who hold a Certificate III earning 30% more than someone with no post school qualification.  Furthermore, people with no post school qualifications are almost twice as likely to be unemployed.” 

 “TAFE also provides courses specifically to assist disadvantaged groups including those from non-English speaking backgrounds, persons with poor literacy and numeracy skills and the long term unemployed.”

Pam Christie, Deputy Director-General, TAFE and Community Education will be attending the presentation next week.  She said, “TAFE plays a vital role in meeting industry and community needs” she said “TAFE Western is a key player in the region partnering closely with education providers, employers and other organisations providing pathways to further education or employment.”

The lunch and presentation was hosted and catered by the students of the Commercial Cookery and Hospitality unit in the dining room training facility which took place at the March Street Campus.

You can watch more here.