Western Australian TAFE colleges have prepared themselves for a new blended style of teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim is to enable students to continue their studies now that Term Two has begun.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said the blended approach would include learning via online and interactive technologies, as well as face-to-face delivery where necessary and where adequate social distancing measures can be implemented.
Ms Ellery said blended delivery allowed training to continue in line with the latest COVID-19 health advice around social distancing measures, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
“Courses previously delivered online will continue to be delivered online,” Ms Ellery said.
“To ensure regulatory and/or industry requirements are met, practical learning and assessments have largely been deferred to when students can safely return to campus.”
She said TAFE colleges would work with students to identify solutions for their specific circumstances. Students would be assisted to complete their courses without extra cost.
Premier, Mark McGowan said funding for TAFE had also been fast-tracked with some specialist private training providers to roll out new training for the State’s aged care and disability sectors.
“The COVID-19 Direct Care Skill Set will assist in protecting vulnerable people, aged care and disability workers from exposure to infectious disease,” Mr McGowan said.
“The course will run for up to two weeks, be over 99 per cent subsidised and will cost $22,” he said.
“It was co-designed by employers, the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council and WA’s vocational education and training sector to meet the needs of industry,” he said.
