TAFE holds open day

A TAFE open day was held on Jan 25 – a week before the academic year begins – to introduce new initiatives that include a 25% reduction in fees on courses and full certificates in one semester.
The open day was held at the Ela Beach campus in Port Moresby to ensure people were fully informed of the changes and the courses being offered this year.
Between 200 and 300 parents, potential students and interested members of the public attended the open day, where the FM 100 radio station held a live broadcast every 30 minutes.
Many new students were enrolled on that day.
More than 100 of those came from outside Port Moresby.
Courses offered at the TAFE, Ela Beach Campus, include business finance and accounting, hospitality and commercial cookery, children’s servi­ces and information and computer.
Courses for busy workplace professionals and organisations include training and assessment, training of trainers, management, human resource management, library and information studies and occupational health and safety.
The IEA College of TAFE courses are designed to meet TAFE and TVET standards in PNG and Australia. ICOT course offerings are in the context of the PNG commerce and industry environment.
“We have extended registration with TAFE Australia and the PNG National Training Council to ensure compliance and standards are maintained,” the campus said in a statement.
“The reduction in fees should provide some relief to parents, employers and students in these challenging economic times but offer more educational opportunities and access to those who may otherwise not consider enrolling in a TAFE course.
“Course fees can either be paid in full or in two instalments. A discount is offered to those who choose to pay their fees upfront.
“The quality of ICOT courses is of the highest standard. Contact hours will range from 16 to 20 hours per week, with trainers readily available to facilitate learning. In addition to direct contact hours, students will have the opportunity to access trainers to discuss the content of the course and units of study, receive feedback and complete assigned tasks with additional guidance and support.
“The opportunity for semester length courses offers the flexibility of studying in the first half or second half of the year, thus enabling students to return to work or seek employment earlier,” it said.