TAFE NSW has committed to supporting the recovery of the events sector, after it was decimated from the impact of COVID-19.

With in-person events grinding to a halt, the industry shed a lot of its talent, with the total workforce dropping by close to 50 per cent between 2019 and 2021. While this has resulted in a severe shortfall that will take three years to rebuild from, it is an opportunity for those with the right skills to move quickly into the sector.

TAFE NSW is positioning its Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Events Management as an opportunity to quickly skill up and catch the wave of demand for new events management expertise. “Our Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Events Management students demonstrate their teamwork, organisation, innovation and communication skills for a variety of clients, which are vital foundations to every role in the industry. Employers can be confident that our graduates are equipped and ready to work,” TAFE NSW head teacher of travel, tourism and events, Crystal Magnus, said.

TAFE NSW pointed to Fadzai Pasi as an example of the pathways the course offers. Pasi is an immigrant from Zimbabwe who decided to add vocational skills to Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Arts degree. He undertook the Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Event Management at TAFE NSW Ultimo, and secured a job with global events giant, Hannover Fairs, two months after completing the course.

“During my studies, I got to plan and deliver an event for the Cancer Council, I analysed a week-long arts festival and got to present my findings to a representative from the business, and I even got to use registration management software that helped me get my current job,” Pasi said.

“In my current role, I handle registrations for our large events across Australia, New Zealand and south-east Asia. Working in the industry has opened my eyes even more to the possibilities a career in events brings. I’d encourage anyone looking for a rewarding and exciting career to consider joining the events industry.”