Welcome to another edition of Fast Five – our series where we ask some of the most influential and exceptional business leaders five questions to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Australia’s most dynamic businesses.

In this edition we spoke to Stephen Varty, CEO of Chisholm Institute. Having held several senior leadership positions in Training and Education, Stephen joined Chisholm in 2015 and became Chief Executive Officer in November 2019.

Stephen discusses the power of TAFE and the importance of partnering with industry to solve workforce challenges.

#1: What inspires you about your job and industry?

I am inspired by the power of vocational education to transform lives. Supporting students across the southeast of Melbourne, I witness TAFE’s impact firsthand as we equip students with the skills they need for a successful career.

I am particularly passionate about the role TAFE plays in addressing skills gaps in Australia. At Chisholm, we work closely with industry partners to ensure the skills we provide are relevant and in-demand. By collaborating with employers and industry, we can ensure that our graduates are job-ready and can make an immediate contribution to the workplace.

This is highlighted in the successful launch of initiatives like the Free TAFE Pathways program and the Early Childhood Educators Traineeship program.

Moreover, we are committed to developing language and literacy skills to support members of the community who may have previously been excluded from the workforce. By providing access to education and training, we can help people gain meaningful and secure employment.

#2: Australia’s skills shortage has been well-publicised. How is TAFE and industry working together to help solve these shortages?

It makes me proud to see the strong relationships Chisholm has built across key industry sectors. The Early Childhood Education Traineeships program is a great example of industry and TAFE working together to tackle the skills shortage in early education.

The Victorian Government selected Chisholm to deliver and lead the program. We recruit and match job seekers with potential employers and collaborate with other partner TAFEs to deliver the required qualifications. Ultimately, we hope to recruit 200 early childhood educator jobs across Victoria to support the current skills shortage.

Outside of larger-scale projects, we provide continued support to a range of industry sectors in Victoria. This includes training workers for manufacturing industries in the south east, supporting apprentice delivery for the Victorian Government’s Big Build project and providing nursing and allied health training for local hospitals and health care providers in the region.

#3: What is the Free TAFE Pathways program and how can it help develop the skills for a changing world of work?

The Free TAFE Pathways initiative will be a great benefit to students in Melbourne’s southeast. The program allows students to achieve multiple qualifications in a selected pathway - all tuition free.

Choosing a pathway provides a dual benefit for students; increased flexibility when undertaking multiple courses and a broader range of skills for transitioning into the workforce and gaining employment.

The program highlights the important function of training providers like Chisholm in supporting industries with a shortage of skilled workers. Up skilled or multi-skilled students are better equipped to meet the changing needs of key industries.

In addition, students with higher qualifications like a degree or post graduate qualification can study a Free TAFE pathway course at Chisholm and receive their training fee free.

#4: Beyond that, what are some future issues or challenges Chisholm is helping to address today?

Chisholm plays a fundamental role in educating migrant communities. The City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong have the largest number of Afghanistan-born residents in Victoria - both municipalities are within Chisholm’s catchment.

Since August 2021, Chisholm Institute has enrolled and supported 735 Afghan students in the Australian Government’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), for which we are a proud service provider.

The AMEP, funded by the Australian Government, provides English language lessons to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants to support them to gain settlement skills and employment or access further study.

The program plays an integral role in assisting new arrivals to adjust and thrive in Australia. Students have the opportunity to connect with other new humanitarian arrivals who share similar backgrounds and experiences.

The transformative impact of the program reaches far beyond the individual. Many refugees who have come through the program now work at Chisholm. They provide first-hand insights into the needs of these students and help us refine the systems, policies and structure in place.

#5: What are some exciting upcoming initiatives or developments for Chisholm Institute?

It’s an exciting time for our Frankston campus and the surrounding community. Through the $67.6m Frankston Campus Redevelopment Project, Chisholm’s Frankston campus is fast becoming one of the most advanced and innovative skills and training institutes in the region.

The $85m Stage 1 of the plan, known as the Frankston Learning and Innovation Precinct, was completed in July 2019, and provides students with access to the latest technology and equipment, and simulated learning environments.

Stage 2 of Chisholm’s Frankston Campus Redevelopment builds on the work completed in Stage 1, with on-site student support services including counselling, and equitable learning resources which provide educational support for our students with disabilities. There will also be dedicated wellbeing spaces, a Student Experience Centre, a student hub, informal learning areas, retail, workspaces and a showcase gallery.

It’s exciting to provide exceptional learning facilities for the students of today and the working professionals of tomorrow.