Closing the Skills Gap: Paid to Learn Program at TAFE NSW

Strategic Insights -

The skills shortage in Australia's workforce has led to a vicious cycle, where vocational education is essential to train workers, but there is also a shortage of qualified TAFE teachers. To address this issue, TAFE NSW launched the Paid to Learn program, which allows mid-career and senior professionals to transition into teaching while continuing to work in their industry. The program has shown promising results, with 97% of its participants still teaching after a year, and a significant reduction in the number of casual jobs in the sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Paid to Learn program is a unique initiative by TAFE NSW to attract mid-career and senior professionals into teaching, with a focus on industries targeted by the NSW skills shortage list, such as trades and community services.
  • The program allows participants to work full-time as teachers while studying for their TAE Certificate IV, with support from mentors and supervisors.
  • The program has a 97% retention rate, with 287 participants in its first year, and has significantly reduced the number of casual jobs in the sector.
  • The program prioritizes industries targeted by the NSW skills shortage list, such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing, automotive, and engineering, as well as in-demand fields such as community services and aged care.
  • Participants in the program are offered a permanent full-time or temporary full-time employment contract, with a salary range of $88,842 to $105,362, depending on their work history.
  • The program has been praised for its effectiveness in addressing the skills shortage, with a third of the program's participants being recruited to specific locations in the state with acute needs.

Statistics:

  • 97% retention rate of participants in the Paid to Learn program after a year.
  • 287 participants in the program's first year.
  • 278 participants still teaching after a year.
  • Eligible TAFE NSW educators can earn a salary of $88,842 to $105,362, depending on their work history.
  • The TAFE Commission of NSW Teachers and Related Employees enterprise agreement will boost the top salary to around $120,000 by 2027.
  • The program has significantly reduced the number of casual jobs in the sector, with only 48% of TAFE NSW educators employed on casual contracts.

Sources:

  • Chadwick, Phil. "TAFE NSW's Paid to Learn Program: A Step in the Right Direction."
  • Cole, Steve. "My Reflective Journey: From Industry to Teaching."
  • TAFE NSW. "Paid to Learn: A Program for Industry Professionals."
  • "Australia's education sector: a vicious cycle of underinvestment." ( no date).
  • Campbell, Mel. "TAFE Teacher, Autumn 2025."