The Queensland Government has received more than 3,600 expressions of interest for TAFE teacher training in response to its $2 million recruitment blitz to boost the state’s teaching ranks.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates said the response to the recruitment campaign had been staggering.
“It’s amazing to see so many Queenslanders jumping at the opportunity to help play a critical role in building the future of the State,” Minister Bates said.
“Labor’s legacy was a skills shortage with a predicted peak shortfall of 50,000 skilled construction workers, and we knew that to rebuild our workforce we’d need an army of teachers which is exactly what we’re delivering.
“Around 80% of the expressions of interest received so far are for priority industries like trades and technical; health and community services and ICT, which means the successful candidates will be teaching the skills we need most.”
The Minister said dedicated recruitment facilitators have now been appointed and are contacting potential TAFE teachers in priority industries where workforce shortages are causing the biggest impact.
Queensland’s newest teachers will take on roles at TAFE Queensland, CQUniversity, and other VET providers across the State.
Cairns resident, Andrew Evans, now teaches at the TAFE Queensland campus where he completed his plumbing apprenticeship.
“I think when you know what it’s like to be an apprentice it sets you up to know how to teach them,” Mr Evans said.
“My experience is broad and substantial – I think that translates into being able to offer my students a great foundation for their future careers.”
The former business owner made a spontaneous move from the trade to teaching 10 years ago and says it’s his passion for his students that has kept him in the job.
“When you teach someone and you see the light come on because they get it, that to me is very, very rewarding,” he said.
“To get to see these guys so keen and excited to get on the job is pretty awesome.”
For more information about becoming a TAFE teacher visit the online hub at www.qld.gov.au/tafeteacher.
To find out more about the support available to RTOs, visit https://dtet.qld.gov.au/training/providers/supporting-staff-to-study-training-and-assessment.
