A new student enrolment system is central to the successful operation of TAFE NSW in an increasingly competitive vocational education marketplace, Minister for Skills John Barilaro announced today.

John speaking in front of a camera recording"I have asked TAFE NSW to commence a market testing process to identify the most effective enrolment system for its current and future requirements," Mr Barilaro said.

"A modern, cloud-based system will enable students to easily manage their training records and TAFE NSW to adapt more quickly to new policy settings. 

"The new system will need to effectively support TAFE NSW's financial systems in the new commercial and contestable training environment." 

Mr Barilaro thanked TAFE NSW staff during a live video conference for National TAFE Day for their hard work and efforts to enroll students during the challenging 2015 enrolment period. 

Mr Barilaro also acknowledged the work of the Legislative Council inquiry into Vocational Education and Training in NSW, chaired by the Honorable Paul Green MLC, in identifying the challenges faced by TAFE NSW as the vocational education sector evolves. 

"TAFE NSW needs a modern, flexible platform to satisfy rising expectations from students, staff and industry and which will support an innovative digital experience and learning environment. 

"NSW is leading the country on jobs growth so we need to make sure our public vocational education provider has the tools it needs to effectively train our young people, reskill older workers and maintain our strong economy," Mr Barilaro said. 

TAFE NSW will continue to work with the current system until it is confident a new system is working properly for students, staff and industry partners. The new student enrolment system is expected to be in place for the 2018 enrolment period and will be managed within the forward budget estimates for TAFE NSW.

MEDIA: John Morrison│Minister Barilaro│0439 281 482