Hundreds of Campbelltown students face uncertain futures following the collapse of yet another vocational education company.
As the Baird Government oversees the demolition of TAFE in NSW, training giant Evocca College has announced the closure of seven campuses in NSW, including Campbelltown.
“Who’s left to pick up the pieces when these private colleges fail, while Mike Baird destroys TAFE in NSW,’’ was the reaction from Greg Warren, the state member for Campbelltown, a critic of the government’s approach on vocational training.
“The collapse of another private college here in Campbelltown is further proof that the Baird Government needs to stop the destruction of TAFE,’’ he said.
“Students shouldn’t be living with the fear that they could be left high and dry at any moment.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Youth employment remains high in our region and discouraging young people from going to TAFE is not the path to a better future.”[/social_quote]
Despite rumours circulating for months about the future of Evocca College, nothing was done for those students affected, and those studying at Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Gosford, Penrith and Seven Hills have now been shown the door.
The students at Campbelltown have the added burden of being in the Outer South West Sydney region, where youth unemployment has jumped to over 15 percent since the Liberal Government was elected in 2011.
Statewide, youth unemployment is at a staggering 12.2 percent and TAFE should be able to provide a reliable and secure alternative to the volatile private college sector.
Last month Aspire College of Education was forced to shut its doors, closing campuses at Campbelltown, Liverpool, St Marys, Parramatta and Newcastle – leaving those students in limbo.
Mr Warren says these cases are further proof the Baird Government should not be putting in place barriers for students getting into TAFE such as higher course fees, less support, fewer courses on offer and massive staff lay-offs.
