Employment in the construction industry is forecast to grow, and TAFE NSW is helping local people take advantage of this growth through fee-free design and construction courses.
Nationwide, the number of construction workers is forecast to grow from 1.1 million to almost 1.3 million by 2024, good news for Wingecarribee residents where construction is the largest industry.
In 2021 the number of housing approvals in the Wingecarribee was 212, that number jumped to 334 in 2022. This year the number is already at 183. TAFE NSW student Madalyn Lowe is preparing for a piece of the employment action balancing a new family, study and a career switch.
She recently completed a traineeship as a building certifier with Wingecarribee Council, a role that sparked the Moss Vale resident’s passion for design.
“I enjoyed working as a trainee certifier, reading, and interpreting construction plans and helping residents come up with resolutions to meet the local building and design requirements. It was through that role that I found a passion for building design,” Mrs Lowe said.
“I just had a baby and was looking at study options when I found the TAFE NSW course in residential drafting was available to study online. This was the key for me. Also, it’s fee-free which helps with the costs that come with starting a new family and the rising cost of living.
“I love that I can study this course at my own pace, I can fit it in around my baby’s needs.
“The TAFE NSW course put all the operational aspects of building design into practice. We work through the design life cycle of a building project, trying our hand at costing, applying building codes, and working through concepts. It gave me an understanding of what decisions I could make within my designer’s scope.”
“What I’m learning the technical side of design, complements my experience working as a certifier. I’m getting experience of how to work with councils and translate drawings into construction plans.”
“I’m also becoming qualified in the use of computer-aided design software, a vital skill in the industry.
Mrs Lowe is continuing to fit her study in around being a new mum with a goal to open her own drafting business in the region.
TAFE NSW Teacher Sarah Hampton said Mrs Lowe’s experience was a good example of being able to give a student the information they need to achieve their career goal, at a pace that allows them to fit their study in with their life.
“As teachers, it makes us proud to see students like Madalyn building up a new career they love with the help of TAFE NSW,” Mrs Hampton said.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0466 375 552.