TAFE NSW has teamed up with Performance Electrics (PE) to develop a new tailored and flexible Professional Communication Skills program for their skilled migrant graduates.

With demand for Electrical Engineering at an all-time high and the number of workers expected to grow from 27,900 to 30,500 by 2026, it’s important to support current workers to succeed in their careers so that they can continue in their chosen industry.

Director of Operations at PE Rob Smerden said the electrical engineering industry was crying out for skilled workers, so training and upskilling qualified migrant workers to enter and remain in the workforce was critical.

“Professional communication skills are essential in the electrical engineering industry to ensure understanding, maintain system integrity and keep everyone who interfaces with the electrical system safe,” Mr Smerden said.

“There is a national shortage of workers in electrical engineering, that’s why it’s so important to support skilled migrants to advance their careers and keep them in jobs.

“Unfortunately, language can sometimes present a barrier to skilled migrants gaining jobs or progressing their careers in the industry. TAFE NSW worked with us to tailor a solution to help our existing workers build on their professional communication skills in the workplace, positioning them well for current and future jobs.”

TAFE NSW Team Leader in Literacy, Lyn Wilson said the training program had been created for PE employees and provides them with the opportunity to improve their professional communication skills using real-world scenarios.

“Participants in the program receive training tailored to their individual skill level and need, and we have a combination of teachers from both literacy and electrical trades facilitating the program.” Ms Wilson said.

“Using real-world scenarios and the program participants’ own work samples, we are able to work with them in real-time to uplift their communication skills and improve their prospects in the Australian workplace.”

For more information about PE including the graduate program and employment opportunities, head to www.p-e.com.au or phone 02 9571 9424 and for more information about the range of language and communication courses offered at TAFE NSW, head to www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.   

Media contact: Sarah Dibdin, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist,sarah.dibdin5@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0404 291 238.