Budding design entrepreneurs take note – the number of Australians working as interior designers has boomed over the past five years and this uplift is expected to be echoed over the next five.

The Australian Government Job Outlook* found the number of interior designers ‘grew very strongly’ between 2013 and 2018 and it predicts there will be around 7,000 job openings in the years to 2023.

TAFE NSW Newcastle is preparing to deliver a pipeline of skilled interior designers to meet this trend, and for the first time will offer a Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Interior Design) in Semester 2 as well as Semester 1. Enrolments are filling up for the six month course that will commence later this month July.

The highly positive employment outlook is music to the ears of nursing-turned-interior-design student Jenavee Aranas, who recently switched career direction by commencing a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration.

“My mum has always wanted to be a nurse so I thought I’d try that out because, like her, I’m caring and want to help other people. However, once I went down that avenue it just didn’t feel right,” said Ms Aranas.

“I’ve always been interested in doing something creative in life and I’m really passionate about art and design.

"Interior design is a platform for me to use my creative skills in a professional way. I’m really enjoying it; it’s coming to me easily so I have no regrets. I’m very glad I made the switch and I’m giving it 110%.

“Because my TAFE NSW teachers have current industry experience and knowledge they are a really good source of information. I’m taking in what they say, am being inspired and I’m determined to gain as much knowledge from them as I can this year, so I can apply it to my own interior design business.”

Jenavee’s parents will soon benefit from her industry insights, with plans to renovate and redesign their Thornton home in the coming months. Jenavee will be at the helm, ready to ‘work my magic’.

Local TAFE NSW teacher and successful interior stylist Tim Neve, who recently had his cushion designs picked up by The Block Shop, said the Certificate III course is a valuable conduit to the popular Diploma course.

“This is the first time TAFE NSW Newcastle has offered the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals in Semester 2. I am really excited that we now have a mid-year offering for interiors,” said Mr Neve.

“We certainly need it. Interest in our interior design courses has grown significantly in the last year. The certificate III is only six months’ duration but will give students a great pathway into the year-long diploma course. I really want to get the word out about this as a fantastic learning stepping stone.

“We’re seeing so many talented students like Jenavee walk through our doors and there is so much opportunity for them. Interior design is a fashionable growth industry that has plenty of potential in our renovation-rich city and beyond.”

Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW offers over 1200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many can be studied online via TAFE Digital, when and where it suits students. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

* Australian Government Job Outlook