11 October 2022

The Illawarra’s peak regional development body has welcomed the re-introduction of TAFE NSW human resources training in the region after a hiatus of more than five years.

After extensive consultation with local businesses, TAFE NSW Shellharbour will offer a number of himan resources courses from semester one next year.

Regional Development Australia Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy strongly supported the move, saying recent research from her organisation had revealed local businesses were crying out for qualified professional services staff.

“We are delighted that TAFE NSW is bringing back this training, particularly at the Shellharbour campus,” Ms Murphy said.

“Research conducted by RDA Illawarra during July and August this year demonstrated a real need among local businesses to attract more professional services staff, especially in the area of human resources.”

It comes as the National Skills Council predicted the human resource sector was in the midst of a jobs boom, expected to grow up to 16.1 per cent over the next five years. Nearly a third of all human resource professionals nationally are in NSW.

Human resource professionals work across all industries and are involved in many facets of business operation, including training and development of staff, workplace and industrial relations, WHS, recruitment, payroll and workforce planning.

TAFE NSW Shellharbour human resource teacher Jodie Moes said with career opportunities in the sector surging, there was never a better time to reskill or upskill at TAFE NSW.

“Human resources offers an amazing career where you’re at the pointy end of an organisation and its people,” Ms Moes said.

“The Certificate IV in Human Resource Management gives students the practical skills and work experience to get a running start into the industry.

“The Diploma in Human Resource Management gives students the practical skills and knowledge to lead teams and provides the skills required in industry to work as HR consultants, advisors or business partners.

“These courses are being offered after extensive consultation with local industry, which is telling us there’s a skills gap locally, so it’s a great time to consider a career in human resources.”

She said remote working strategies and increased worker transience post-COVID would also increase demand for human resource professionals.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0477 722 428