A new initiative to attract international students to live, work and study at Western Australia’s regional TAFE colleges is set to begin next year.
This month TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is hosting the first agent familiarisation tour, showcasing regional WA to agents from across the globe to promote the two-year pilot program.
The international education agents from key markets of Italy, Brazil, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Colombia, Korea, Sweden and Mauritius are seeing the best of Broome, Geraldton and Albany, as part of visits to North Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.
A $5,000 bursary will be provided for up to 200 students in selected courses across the State’s regional TAFE colleges, as well as support to find part-time work and accommodation.
The $2.4 million package responds to ideas raised by industry leaders through the Perth and Regional Skills Summits, which emphasised the need for innovative solutions to address skills shortages and support regional industries.
The bursaries will target occupations such as aged and disability care, childcare, and hospitality and tourism, which due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and low unemployment, have a critical shortage of workers.
Students will be able to study at campuses across the regional TAFE colleges: North Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.
On graduation, international students may be able to access migration pathways to extend their stay in Australia.
Some students are anticipated to commence in February 2023, with the majority expected in Semester 2.
TIWA will host a second tour in early 2023 to showcase further regional locations.
As stated by International Education Minister David Templeman:
“The return of international students to Western Australia is a priority for our government.
“This initiative is a practical solution to attract international students to the regions in industry sectors with critical skills shortages.
“With quality programs, a great lifestyle and a wealth of employment opportunities, Western Australia is well positioned to provide international students with the knowledge, skills, support and connections they require to enter the increasingly competitive global job market.
“This program will also diversify the State’s economy through exporting vocational education and training in the regions.”
