Training and Qualifications of the Tasmanian labour market

Tasmania has a substantial and growing resource of tertiary-educated people. Currently, there are more than 21,000 university graduates working in the state, and over 16,000 enrolled students.

Approximately 3,500 people graduate from the University of Tasmania each year. As well as the University of Tasmania, Tasmania’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges are the largest providers of tertiary training in the state. TAFE offers education at professional, trade and operative levels and specialises in designing customised training packages to meet employer needs.   TAFE campuses are located in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and Queenstown.

Vocational education and training is also offered by the Australian Maritime  College and the 136 registered training organisations across the state.

Tasmania is responding to the nation-wide skills shortage. In 2005, there were 10,638 students who graduated from publicly funded Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, an increase from 9,329 in 2004. There were 39,707 VET students is 2005. This is 12.2 per cent of the population, compared to 11.4 per cent for Australia. This is in addition to private fee-for-service training.