Improving TAFE NSW

A report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), commissioned by TAFE NSW concludes the institution is uncompetitive and the situation will get worse without changes to reduce costs and improve services. The report is "The NSW Vocational Education and Training market and TAFE NSW's competitive position within it" (BSG, 2015).

BSG point out that while TAFE NSW is Australia's largest
vocational education and training (VET) provider, it is now competing with thousands of private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). TAFE NSW rates well on the quality of teaching, but lower on job placement and convenience. Also TAFE NSW costs are much higher than RTOs and other TAFEs.

BSG suggests TAFE NSW needs to rationalize its campuses and overlapping on-line courses. The consultants also point out TAFE NSW is not making enough of having campuses in Sydney, a very desirably destination for international students.

This report should be read by all those interested in Australian higher eduction. There are lessons here for universities, not just TAFE.