Concerns about staff shortages, rising workloads and ageing facilities in the TAFE sector have been raised nationally, with new survey results suggesting many teachers are reconsidering their future in the profession.
The Australian Education Union’s 2026 State of Our TAFE report, based on responses from 1,696 teachers across the country, found nearly two thirds had considered leaving their job in the past year. Almost half said they did not expect to still be working in TAFE within five years.
The report also found 88 percent of respondents knew a colleague who had left in the past 12 months. Teachers reported increased administrative demands and growing numbers of students requiring additional literacy, numeracy, digital and mental health support.
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said decades of underfunding had stretched teachers to breaking point.
“Free TAFE has opened the door to education for people who were previously locked out, but governments have failed to fund the wraparound supports students need to succeed,” she said.
The findings come as South Metropolitan TAFE’s Thornlie campus continues to deliver training to students from Gosnells, Thornlie and surrounding suburbs.
Responding to questions about enrolment growth and student needs, South Metropolitan TAFE said it provides targeted assistance at the Thornlie campus.
“South Metropolitan TAFE provides a range of learning support to help students successfully participate in, and complete, their training,” the college said.
“At the Thornlie campus, students have access to an on-site student support team that delivers tailored services for Aboriginal students, students with disability, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
The college said students can also access in class literacy and numeracy support through its Skills for Study program.
On workforce pressures, South Metropolitan TAFE said it continues to meet demand in key trade and technical areas.
“South Metropolitan TAFE continues to deliver world class training across the Armadale region in response to strong demand in key trade and technical areas, including electrical, heavy automotive, fabrication and other construction trades,” the statement said.
“The College actively plans and recruits to ensure it has the right teaching capability in place to support students.”
The college said this includes regular recruitment, flexible workforce arrangements and collaboration with industry partners to maintain continuity of teaching.
Thornlie MLA Colleen Egan said the State Government was continuing to invest in the sector.
“The Cook Labor government is making record investments in TAFE, ensuring it’s more affordable and accessible for all Western Australians,” she said.
She said the State and Federal Governments had recently announced $15.2 million to support WA TAFEs to grow and retain a high-quality lecturer workforce.
Through the TAFE Modern Equipment Program, more than $250,000 has been allocated to the Thornlie campus. A broader $250 million TAFE Infrastructure Stimulus Package is also funding upgrades across the State.
South Metropolitan TAFE confirmed there is an ongoing capital works program at the Thornlie campus.
“There is a significant and ongoing program of capital works underway at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Thornlie campus,” the college said.
“This includes the creation of new classrooms, upgrades to existing teaching spaces, improvements to student amenities, enhanced staff offices and amenities, and the replacement of end-of-life roof and mechanical infrastructure.”
