As a trainer in youth work I have been faced with an ethical dilemma this year.

Approximately 56% of the Victorian Indigenous population is under 25 years old. Prior to the new skills policy I would recommend studying the Diploma I teach as a pathway option after completing the Certificate IV. If the students were between 18 and 25 I would assess their experiences holistically; personal and professional, their supports, maturity etc. I would look at what they might enjoy, what might have a positive impact on them, where their life is going, etc. Many of the students have had challenging life experiences so it is important they understand what they are undertaking.

And this year? Now that the higher fees are in? Well, this year I’m simply not running the Diploma course. My reason? If a young person wants to change their career path in a couple of years time and requires the appropriate qualifications such as a Diploma (maybe in management, hospitality etc) they’ll be up for $10,000 - $15,000. I would hate having that responsibility and burden on my shoulders. Some young people are still exploring their options and it is too early to make those big choices, a choice that could cost them dearly in a few years time.

The education system means that teachers have to recruit enough students to ensure a viable course (to keep your job) yet if we are pushing young people into Diplomas it restricts the flexibility to change career paths and could cost them dearly in the end.

What used to be a positive choice (to seek higher education) now could turn into something that hinders these students in the future, once they have matured and know what career suits them best. 

I was telling some students yesterday about the TAFE changes and they could barely believe it. One person’s mother, who was inquiring about her daughter getting into a Diploma of Youth Work, was simply in shock when I told her that because her daughter already had a Diploma she’d now be up for $12,000 in course fees. She was speechless.

This change may prevent Indigenous young people from being able to cross over and branch out, and explore different career options or seek promotions (because of the cost factor). It is absolutely appalling and shocking that this is happening.

It’s just another negative experience of education and another opportunity taken away from Indigenous learners.