TAFE NSW will play an increasingly critical role in building the North Coast leaders of tomorrow through its range of leadership and management courses, according to the NSW Business Chamber.

It comes as the region’s economy enters the COVID recovery phase and after a landmark report by the Centre for Workplace Leadership found one in four private sector leaders had no formal training beyond high school.

Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter welcomed the TAFE NSW focus on leadership and said it would help build the capacity and culture of local organisations.

“Business NSW fully supports TAFE’s renewed focus on leadership and management training,” Mr Hunter said.

“There’s no doubt good leaders and managers can make or break a business.

“Leadership and management are particularly important in preparing businesses to take advantage of new opportunities or respond to changing requirements.”

Twenty-two year-old TAFE NSW Graduate Stephen O'Neill studied a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and would recommend the course to anyone looking to take a step up in their career.

“TAFE NSW equipped me with the skills I needed to reinvent myself and change career direction. My background is in horticulture and I now work as the WHS Officer at Lismore City Council.”

“At the beginning of the year I couldn’t speak in front of eight people. Since completing my course, last week I presented to 30 people.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Business Services Michelle Travers said the courses were tailored to individual business needs, including online or via night classes, and were suitable to those already in the workforce.

“It might be someone at a supervisor level and wanting the qualifications and practical skills to step up to a higher leadership role,” Ms Travers said.

“It’s often not until you study a course in leadership that you truly appreciate where your gaps are.

“These courses will give you the practical tools and knowledge to reflect on your leadership style and improve your skills.

“It’s also great to learn from other emerging leaders in your class and the experiences they encounter in their workplace.”

To enquire about a leadership and management course at TAFE NSW, call 131 601 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au 

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au