TAFE NSW graduates are emerging from their studies with their ears finely tuned to leap into in-demand jobs in the booming podcast industry.

According to PwC, the Australian podcast market is growing steadily, with the number of monthly listeners (defined as people aged 12+ who listened to at least one podcast in the last month) reaching 25 percent of the Australian population in 2020, up from 17 percent in 2017.[1]

TAFE NSW graduate Bray Boland was living in Melbourne when he was made redundant from his job as a tradesperson during the height of COVID-19.

“It forced me to re-assess my career path which turned out to be one of the best things that has happened for my career, as I was motivated to seek out training in journalism - an industry I am passionate about,” Mr Boland said.

After researching his study options online, Bray discovered that TAFE NSW offered a range of courses in Screen and Media that would give him the skills he needed to get a job. He moved to Sydney and enrolled in a Statement of Attainment in Screen and Media at TAFE NSW Ultimo to get a taste of the industry.

“The short course gave me a great insight into the hands-on skills I could attain through study in order to further my career.

“My teacher was an industry professional who had enjoyed a similar career trajectory to that which I aspired to, so I decided to continue on and completed the Certificate IV in Screen and Media, then a Diploma of Screen and Media (Journalism).”

Head Teacher of Screen and Media at TAFE NSW Cat Colman said the Diploma of Screen and Media (Journalism) tackles production of multiplatform content, interviewing, announcing, and operating a radio panel.

“Through the course, students gain a range of practical journalism and audio production skills and experience working in a fast-paced environment,” Ms Colman said.

“Our aim is to make sure our students are ready to walk into any recording studio in the country and immediately get to work, which many of our students go on to achieve.”

After securing work experience at www.RadioToday.com.au through his teacher, Bray is now employed as a journalist with the publication the as host of the RadioToday podcast with colleague Megan Smith.

“My experience studying at TAFE was a great opportunity for me to learn from industry professionals that helped prepare me for the most seamless transition possible into paid work,” Mr Boland said.

To find out more about the range of study options available at TAFE NSW including the Certificate IV and Diploma in Screen and Media (Journalism), visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.