With 1 in 6 Australians affected by hearing loss[1] and Information Technology related services expected to grow by 24.6% in the five years leading up to 2022[2], new TAFE NSW courses in Auslan are meeting employment demands in Casino.

Certificate II in Auslan has been added to the range of offerings at TAFE NSW Casino for the very first time, followed by the addition of Certificate III in semester two. Several years ago, TAFE NSW was the first education provider to offer these courses outside of Sydney.

Head Teacher of Career Pathways, Simon Dickinson, said the increased need for Auslan communicators is driven by a number of reasons.

“TAFE NSW is pleased to bring Auslan to the Casino community; we think it will be really beneficial both for those with hearing issues and those with career goals in the aged care and disability sectors. An ageing population and the enhanced understanding of the importance of being aware of inclusivity issues is what has led to the need for Auslan communicators increasing over time,” he said.

“The course has a wide range of people enrolled including people with a personal interest, members of the Deaf community and those who have a deaf family member.”

Students will be involved in workshops with the Deaf community to gain practical skills, develop connections and broaden their networks within the disability sector. In addition, there are a number of Deaf Auslan teachers teaching this course, adding to the practical experience students will obtain.

“Interacting with people who are deaf allows students to practice their Auslan with experienced Auslan speakers in a friendly and practical learning environment. Real-world experiences are something we pride ourselves on at TAFE NSW, as it ensures the job-readiness of our students,” Mr Dickinson said.

Also available at TAFE NSW Casino for the first time this semester is the Certificate III in Information Digital Media and Technology.

Head Teacher of Technology, Louise McCormack explains the certificate is a well-rounded course which gives TAFE NSW students a taste of everything.

“There is more to IT than just fixing a computer. It’s a really good introduction to all the different work aspects available in information technology positions. The course covers a variety of skills ranging from web design, programming, identifying IT problems and 2D and 3D digital animation,” she said.

“These are skills that people can gain employment in remotely. Pursuing a role in these fields means that students have the option to not have to move away from Casino to metropolitan areas for jobs.”

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au

[1] Australian Network on Diability, Disability Statistics

[2] Upskilled.com, SkillsTalk, Job report: the industries expecting growth in 2018