TAFE New England has moved to reassure local students its campuses are “open for business” after reports of the failure of a new computer system that was preventing thousands of students from enrolling for 2015.
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Fairfax Media reported last week the IT crash meant many students across the state were not enrolled just weeks out from courses starting.
The NSW Teachers’ Federation had slammed the Smart and Skilled reforms for redirecting public funds into a computerised administration system responsible for the enrolment errors.
The reforms to the state’s vocational education and training sector have been contentious since they were first announced, the failure of the new enrolment software just the latest target for critics.
But TAFE New England institute director Peter Heilbuth said local students could be assured their enrolments would be processed in time.
“TAFE New England is always innovating to respond to the training environment, and our goal is to ensure students enrol to gain the qualifications and skills they need to get the job they want,” he said.
“We will facilitate that, regardless of systems changes and upgrades.
“The education of people across the New England/North West remains our primary focus.”
TAFE New England has held two open days for enrolments, the Tamworth campus showcasing its new customer service building for the first time, opened just weeks ago.
The new block has become “a one-stop shop” for student services, including administration, disability and counselling services, the bookshop and a new canteen.
When The Leader visited for the second enrolment day this week, before the majority of courses begin in the second week of February, the office was busy, with the institute’s 11 campuses delivering more than 250 courses this year.
Among those enrolling were Brody Goodman, accompanied by mum Melissa Crowell.
The 18-year-old Tamworth student completed his HSC last year and has enrolled for a certificate III in community services, with hopes of studying psychology at the University of New England next year.
Brody will be among hundreds of Tamworth campus students who will have the opportunity to join in, for the first time, O-week activities in the second week of February.
Traditionally the domain of universities, the local TAFE’s inaugural O-Week will run from Tuesday, February 10, to Thursday, February 12, at Tamworth TAFE.
Activities will be focused around the new customer services building.