The Victorian Government is aiming to boost the Auslan teaching and interpreting workforce in the state by adding courses in Auslan into the signature free TAFE list.
The Diploma of Auslan and the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan stream) is set to become available fee-free from 2023.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney it is an important investment that will have a ripple effect throughout our community.
“By boosting the number of Auslan interpreters, we are making Victoria a more inclusive and diverse place,” she said.
“Free TAFE is a game-changer for Victoria – it helps make world-class training more accessible to more jobseekers, provides skilled workers for local business and boosts our economy.”
The demand for interpreter services increased dramatically throughout the Covid-19 pandemic as essential workers relaying crucial information to deaf and hard-of-hearing Victorians.
“Our new Free TAFE courses in Auslan will meet the specific language and cultural needs of this group of students, broadening access to education and employment opportunities,” said Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines.
Students wishing to undertake the diplomas will start out in the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in Auslan offered at Melbourne Polytechnic, with the diploma course delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic to provide a foundation to students to become an Auslan interpreter, while the advanced diploma will be delivered by RMIT and is the recognised qualification to become a certified Auslan interpreter.
“Today’s announcement will go a long way to satisfying the increasing demand for Auslan interpreters, directly help students train in meaningful careers, and provide a pathway to high-demand industries,” said RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron.
