In the past year, TAFE NSW Newcastle’s interior design courses have experienced such high demand that a second class for diploma students was introduced.

It is no wonder demand is rising. With a teacher like interior style expert and textile designs business owner Tim Neve, students are receiving the most current and professional industry training possible.

Tim has just launched a new range of textile designs called 'Foraged' and The Block Shop has already picked up his range of cushions.

He is excited about what the next few months will bring, such as the four-week Statement in Introduction in Interior Design short course, which runs in the evenings from 8 May. Back by popular demand, this course begins prior to Semester 2 so it is already open for enrolments.

Tim said, “We’re seeing so many talented students walk through our doors. Interior design is a real growth industry and a fashionable occupation with plenty of potential to grow further in our renovation-rich city. TAFE NSW recognises this is now a high-demand course locally, and is stepping up to meet the need.”

“When it comes to our one-year diploma course, which has almost doubled student intake in the past year, I'm drumming up even more excursions.

“For example, we will do hands-on workshops at local paint and furniture retailers. Real-world exposure such as this showcases our links to industry and gives students a fantastic insight into what life will be like when they enter the industry as fully qualified interior designers.

“We’ll also have a number of events, to give students a chance to showcase their talent.”

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website*, interior designers earn more than $1000 per week on average and the industry has strong prospects for employment over the next five years.

Recent TAFE NSW research concurs. It forecast the ‘interior designer’ occupation to have the second largest growth in employment within the Art, Design, Digital Media and Music sector between 2018 and 2021.

Coorangbong resident and diploma student from 2018, Janelle Skene, won the 2018 TAFE NSW Newcastle Interior Design Creative Thinker Award, securing $500 and 40 hours work experience with multi-disciplinary design practice EJE Architecture. EJE then offered her a job.

Janelle is a student Tim says is a ‘huge example of the career standard TAFE NSW graduates get to in just one year.’

TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest training provider, offering over 1,200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many can be studied online via TAFE Digital. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

* https://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation.aspx?code=2325