Mr Marshall welcomed the results, on the back of massive investments in TAFE campuses across the New England North West and encouraged prospective students considering their career options for 2019 to check out the exciting array of courses on offer at TAFE NSW as TAFE’s open week, Infofest, officially kicks off.

“More students are choosing to pick up the tools and study a trade at TAFE, with new data showing TAFE enrolments have increased by a considerable 11 per cent compared to this time last year,” he said said.

“Today I’m calling on aspiring students to join the trend and check into their local TAFE campus to learn about how they can turbocharge their career by signing up to one of TAFE’s 1,200 nationally accredited courses.

“TAFE’s open week, Infofest, is a great opportunity for prospective students to check out TAFE’s world class facilities and chat to their expert staff about the best career options on offer.

“Courses for nine out of the ten highest growing jobs are delivered at TAFE NSW, so for those looking to secure a job of the future, studying at TAFE NSW is simply a no-brainer.

“TAFE NSW doesn’t just offer training in traditional trades like construction and plumbing, it’s also the place to study for those looking to take up a job in futuristic fields like cyber-security, anti-money laundering and ICT.”

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In the Northern Tablelands, Mr Marshall said key skills needs included construction trades, including bricklayers, roofers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, to aged care and early childhood education.

“There’s never been a better time to study a trade at TAFE – it’s now completely free to train as an apprentice and there’re lots of jobs available in our region and right across the State,” he said.

Information sessions and campus tours as part of InfoFest will run at TAFE campuses from 21-25 January. For further information visit www.tafensw.edu.au/infofest