Part-time courses available at Kalgoorlie's CY O'Connor TAFE

29/1/99

Employment and Training Minister Graham Kierath has urged people to take advantage of the promising jobs outlook and to further their careers by enrolling in a part-time course at the CY O'Connor College of TAFE before enrolments close on February 2 and 3.

"Western Australian TAFE colleges will play an increasingly important role in ensuring there are enough workers with the right skills to meet strong growth in industry labour demands," Mr Kierath said.

He said the WA Department of Training had projected that employment in WA would grow by 2.7 per cent over the next six years, well above the national average of 1.8 per cent.

"TAFE colleges are responding to this challenge by providing courses that are increasingly relevant to industry requirements and responsive to the latest industry developments," the Minister said.

"The colleges have established strong links with industry to ensure students receive training that is in line with industry standards.

"Many workers undertake part-time study at TAFE to develop the skills they need to further their careers.

"Part-time study at TAFE is an attractive option also for people who have to juggle home or work commitments with a need to update or acquire new skills.

"TAFE recognises everyone has different needs, circumstances and ambitions, and aims to make part-time study as flexible, relevant and rewarding as possible.

"Throughout WA TAFE colleges are meeting the needs of part-time students through flexible approaches to the delivery of training. CY O'Connor College of TAFE, which provides up-to-date, high quality and practical training that is relevant to the people and industries of the Wheatbelt region, is one such college."

Mr Kierath said the college was able to offer courses tailored to fit individual circumstances for those people whose lifestyle may make study difficult.

"Before students start, staff will carefully consider their learning requirements and work to develop a study program that suits the individual," he said.

"The college achieves this by providing an efficient service with staff who have a thorough knowledge of courses to assist people identify their needs, and help them map out a pathway to improved employment opportunities.

"Using Multi Mode Learning it is able to offer students a greater choice in how they learn.

"While traditional distance education involves print-based learning material, C Y O'Connor uses interactive multimedia, video conferencing, teleconferencing, and pre-recorded video materials, to support students in their study, while ensuring students have lecturer support throughout their program.

"The college offers part-time study in a number of areas including landcare, computer programming, business management and wool classing."

College contact: Lynette O'Reilly, ph: (08) 9622 3905 fax: (08) 9622 2996

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9213 6400