The latest figures provided by TAFE NSW have revealed huge industry demand for electricians which has meant apprentices have been flocking to the Tamworth Campus for the Certificate III in Electrotechnology course.

 Regional General Manager Adam Bennett said the course had topped the list of the most popular for the second year in a row.

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care was again second most popular.

However the big mover on the list was the Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology course which lept into third.

“We experienced an increase in interest and enrolments in the Certificate III in Electrotechnology course right across western NSW,” Mr Bennett said.

“This is because it’s a massive growth area and there’s a skills shortage in the industry across the state.

“So not only is this increase driven by industry demand, it’s also because our students enjoy hands-on learning from industry experts.

“The fact that employers trust our training, which can lead to exciting, real-life employment prospects is also a major reason for this increase.”

Mr Bennett said it wasn’t just the demand for electrical courses on the rise either with carpentry and animal studies also recording increased enrolment figures which saw them move into the top five overall courses.

He said enrolments for 2018 at TAFE NSW were open now, and would be accepted right across the Christmas period for those looking to start their courses in the new year..

“TAFE NSW has more than 1200 courses to choose from – so there’s something for everyone no matter where you live, your skill level or qualifications,” Mr Bennett said.

“With so many exciting options, and with research revealing that TAFE NSW graduates have a higher median income and employment rate than university graduates, there’s never been a better time to consider TAFE.”