TAFE NSW is connecting the nation’s recovering events industry with job-ready graduates and providing a pipeline of future workers as the industry continues to rebuild after high turnover during the pandemic.

The event management workforce shrunk by nearly 50% nationally between 2019 and 2021, and skilled workers are expected to continue to be in demand for the next three years as the industry rebuilds[1].

TAFE NSW event management graduate Fadzai Pasi has enjoyed a kickstart to his career thanks to the industry connections he formed during his studies, landing him a position at leading international event management company Hannover Fairs Australia two months before completing his course.

“I was one of two TAFE NSW event management students selected to attend the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia’s industry conference, where I got speaking with an industry leader. We stayed in touch, and a few months ago, that person ended up hiring me and now they’re my boss!” he said.

“I never thought I’d be working for a multinational this early in my career, but it just goes to show the value of the real-world experiences I had at TAFE NSW and the work I put in to take up every opportunity.”

The 26-year-old moved to Australia from Zimbabwe to complete a Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University before deciding to build his practical events skills with a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Event Management at TAFE NSW Ultimo.

“During my studies, I got to plan and deliver an event for the Cancer Council, I analysed a week-long arts festival and got to present my findings to a representative from the business, and I even got to use registration management software that helped me get my current job.

“In my current role, I handle registrations for our large events across Australia, New Zealand and south-east Asia. Working in the industry has opened my eyes even more to the possibilities a career in events brings. I’d encourage anyone looking for a rewarding and exciting career to consider joining the events industry.”  

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Travel, Tourism and Events, Crystal Magnus, said it’s a privilege to be training the next generation of event management professionals and connecting employers with eager workers.  

“TAFE NSW students build their skills and confidence by completing assessments for real-world clients so that when they graduate, they’re able to make a valuable contribution to an employer from day one”.

“Our Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Events Management students demonstrate their teamwork, organisation, innovation and communication skills for a variety of clients, which are vital foundations to every role in the industry. Employers can be confident that our graduates are equipped and ready to work.”

Media contact: TAFE NSW Media Centre, MediaRelease@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7920 5000​​​​.