Studies more successful the second time around

TAFE deserves more recognition for its success in re-engaging people with formal education, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay has told Parliament.
He said the contribution of the General Studies division of TAFE was often overlooked in discussions about addressing retention rates in schools and accelerating more people from lower socio economic backgrounds into university.
“While many experts are discussing the problem, TAFE is finding solutions,” Mr Torbay said. “In terms of giving people a second chance at education, it is much more than a vocational institution.”
The MP recently visited Armidale TAFE to meet students aged from their teens to the forties sitting for the HSC this year through the Tertiary Preparation Course (TPC). A majority of the students plans to continue on to university next year.
One of the reasons for Mr Torbay’s visit was to hear an account from a mature age student Ben McLean, aged 29, who completed the TPC course and is now studying for his Bachelor of Education part time at the University of New England. His wife is studying nursing and the couple have two children.
“Ben told the class a familiar story,” the MP said. “He hated school and left at the age of 15 in Year 10. He worked as a labourer on building sites and in the mining industry. It was not until he married and had children that he decided the best way to get ahead was through linking back into education through TAFE.
“The adult learning environment, skilled and supportive teachers and encouragement from fellow students gave Ben the confidence to succeed and he is now an exemplar for other students.”
Mr Torbay said the success of the General Studies division of Armidale TAFE was repeated across the Northern Tablelands at the Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield campuses. Because courses could be delivered online, smaller numbers of students in classes could be accommodated.
Courses range from basic literacy and numeracy, through English as a Second Language courses for migrants, special courses for women, programs for at risk youth to School Certificate and HSC equivalent courses.