TAFE Outreach programs are closely aligned to the Federal Social Inclusion Agenda ensuring NSW education is accessible to people who face barriers to learning including geographical and social isolation, language and cultural factors, financial hardship, lack of educational confidence, being unaware of opportunities to learn, a disability or family commitments.
Fourteen young men and two young women from diverse backgrounds including the Pacific Islands and the Middle East, enrolled in Certificate IV in Skills for Career Development in February 2010. They were all keen and motivated to gain entry to studies in order to join the Police Force.
Generally the group had low levels of literacy and numeracy. They received support and were able to resubmit assignments in order to achieve competency. They developed skills in time management which was essential for them to succeed with higher level study. The program built on their low level of general knowledge.
Economic disadvantage and cultural difference made computer and internet access for research and homework a challenge. In order to meet requirements for driving the participant needed a car for driving lessons, this posed a further challenge.
