Legislative Council Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1) 53 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time TAFE SA TAFE SA The Hon. T.A. FRANKS Legislative Council TAFE SA The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:37): Of the Skills for All courses undertaken, what number of students did not complete those courses? The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers TAFE SA The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:38): I don't have the completion rate figures with me. I am happy to find those out and bring those back. TAFE is a quality provider and, obviously, the ultimate aim of our training education is to skill-up people so that they are better equipped to find jobs; that's what it's all about. The enrolment rates are obviously important to us, participation rates are important to us and completion rates are also important, but completion rates are not the only measure of successful education and training—they are just one measure of successful education and training. We believe that there is a lot to be gained by individuals engaging in training, whether they successfully complete that or not. The Hon. T.A. Franks Legislative Council The Hon. T.A. Franks: What's the point of it if they're not completing it? The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Can we allow the minister to complete the answer? The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council The Hon. G.E. GAGO: As I said, higher education and training is not just about completion rates; it is about skill acquisition along the way and preparing people to better be able to develop those skills they need to ultimately find employment. I am sure there would be members in this room who commenced courses and, after commencing them, realised that they were not suitable for them. However, through that experience they were able to refocus their attention on a career path or a further training or education path that was more suitable for them. There is a lot of value in that; a person can gain experience and insight into where their interests might lie and where they might be better suited, particularly young people, who often require a couple of goes, if you like, testing the waters to see where their interests lie. Is the honourable member saying that that is of no value, that we will only enrol people who are absolutely committed to completion? As I said, completion rates are one important measure; enrolment and participation rates are also important measures.