The power of TAFE: the COVID story

This year has seen significant and unprecedented disruption to all aspects of society, here in Australia and globally. Every sector has been impacted, including education, which has seen major disruption at all levels; in schools, TAFEs and universities. This publication focuses on TAFEs' responses across Australia to the unprecedented impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Closure of businesses and other regular activities to put isolation practices into place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the teaching and training routine of TAFEs. Virtually overnight staff...  [+] Show more

This year has seen significant and unprecedented disruption to all aspects of society, here in Australia and globally. Every sector has been impacted, including education, which has seen major disruption at all levels; in schools, TAFEs and universities. This publication focuses on TAFEs' responses across Australia to the unprecedented impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Closure of businesses and other regular activities to put isolation practices into place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the teaching and training routine of TAFEs. Virtually overnight staff transformed their teaching and training to be delivered into the home of students for over seventy per cent of activity. TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) surveyed TAFEs covering the period 17 March 2020 to 12 June 2020 exploring the approaches they took to adapt to these unique circumstances. This report tells the story of this transformation – from the perspective of TAFEs, staff and students. The extent to which TAFE business partners take up this new form of digital learning, and Australian industry embraces new ways that competency can be acquired, will determine the acceleration of the change across vocational and higher education in Australia. The report concludes with implications for vocational education practice in Australia.

Edited excerpts from publication.