General News
14 May, 2026
TAFE boosting employment odds, report shows
THE vast majority of students who undertake TAFE study achieve their employment goals, including finding new jobs in industries battling skills shortages, according to a new report.
The report by Nous Group revealed 91 per cent of TAFE students achieve their employment goals, such as getting a new job or a promotion.
The figure climbs as high as 94 per cent for regional TAFE students.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said the report confirmed the value of TAFE for students, industry and the community.
“Victoria requires 1.4 million new workers by 2034,” he said.
“This demand cannot be met by newly trained labour alone.
“It will require large-scale reskilling and upskilling of the existing workforce and only the TAFE Network can provide the skills and training needed at the speed and scale needed.”
The report found nine in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieved their employment goal, and up to 91 per cent of students from disadvantaged, culturally and linguistically diverse and disability cohorts achieved their employment goals.
The new data comes as South West TAFE prepares to launch a new campaign ‘TAFE careers: Here Today, Here Tomorrow’.
Mr Fidge said TAFE trains the workers needed now and into the future across housing and construction, healthcare, aged care and early childhood education and the transition to renewable energy.
“These are essential services that communities rely on every day,” he said.
“The evidence is clear when people enrol in TAFE, they are highly likely to achieve their employment goals.
“This includes in sectors where it’s needed most.”
At South West TAFE, 88.3 per cent of students were employed or in further study after their course.
Those already employed before training saw a 23.4 per cent increase in employment at a higher skill level after training.
Of qualification completers at South West TAFE, 92.6 per cent were satisfied with their training overall and 88.1 per cent likely to recommend their training provider.