Yes, TAFE fees have increased, but cover a whole lot more

Some of the points made in Mr Pavey's letter, "Trade courses cost rise" (Your View, December 11) are misleading.

It is true that the cost of enrolment in an apprenticeship at Sydney TAFE, including Gymea, has changed.

All apprenticeships will now attract a fee of no more than $2000 for the full qualification and students will be able to pay in instalments.

However, this fee includes not only the cost of enrolment, but covers the cost of the course for the three-year qualification, including consumables and other associated course costs.

It is a change in fee structure that has been brought in as part of the state government's Smart and Skilled reforms and is outside the control of TAFE NSW.

The former fee structure was $253 a semester and they were required to pay other course-related costs. Concessions and government support are also available to eligible applicants.

Additionally, the way in which training is delivered has changed. Training is now delivered as a combination of face-to-face tuition at TAFE, on-the-job training and online tuition.

This represents more flexible training that delivers higher quality outcomes to both employers and apprentices.

Diane Craven, faculty director, Sydney TAFE Sutherland College

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