Globalization generally refers to the movement by which different economies and societies develop in to more closely unify to free trade and services (Nezhad, Irani, 2011). Globalization also presents many challenges and opportunities to the Australian TAFE sector. Providing skills to the international student market and reskilling staff lost jobs due to manufacturing jobs exported to other counties with cheap labour and tax incentives.
In recent history, the Toyota assembly plant in Altona in Victoria closed down, and the closure of the plant resulted in Toyota’s staff drop from almost 4,000 to 1,300 people. (ABC, 2017). These staffs need to find new jobs with a new set of skills as Australian Motor manufacturing is overdue to higher labour cost and competition from overseas. Most of these have been working in assembly lines doing repetitive jobs with limited skill sets. It is a challenge to retrain mature people for a set of new skills TAFE needs to rethink how to train these people for new employable skill sets. TAFE and the trainers need to change the training methods, models and approach to suit the needs.
Furthermore, the Education sector has become a major export to the Australian economy. Australia has been a popular choice for students from South East Asia. China is leading with the highest number of students followed by India. Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand. (SBS Urdu, 2016). In 2017, VET sector with 27% (217,700 foreign students) enrolled; sector also had a robust growth over 2016 (17%). The English-language sector enrolled 19% of all international students (155,450) but grew by only 3% over 2016(ICEF Monitor, 2018).
TAFE must maintain the relevance and quality of the programs to attract international students and support the local students and the industry. As a teacher in TAFE, have experienced the difficulties of trying to train local students alongside international students reasons such as language, cultural, religious, training packages issues and expectations. Teachers must manage cultural difference with respect and with sensitively, showing acceptance and embracing the difference as a positive experience to local and international students.
English being the second language for many international students. Students finding hard to comprehend the subject content and assessment activities as a teacher we can suggest extra English support available with the TAFE.
In the multicultural education setting such as Australia diversity and different views must be valued by trying to understand the thinking behind different points of views. Avoid discrimination or being bias, stereotypes a student will feel comfortable to study in a new environment with ease. Presenting all students with a range of viewpoints, and provide students with practical strategies to explore difference and values for mutual benefits will assist the students and trainers. Teachers and students must use language and gestures carefully to avoid any misunderstanding.
Some TAFE colleges celebrate religious and cultural festivals to support diversity and understand the culture. TAFE can consider intercultural communication skills in professional development activities and invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds for presentations to improve the understanding of the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the students.
Globalization provides TAFE with opportunities and challenges, and Australian TAFE must be ready to deal with the changing world of education. State and Federal Governments must support the TAFE to deal with the challenges. Australia is a destination for students from many developing counties for educational needs because of its proximity and multicultural society. More must be done to accommodate these needs while maintaining quality and relevance in the Australian TAFE Education.
Reference
abc. (2017, oct 3). Retrieved from Toyota workers out of jobs as car manufacturer closes Altona plant: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-03/toyota-car-production-ends-altona-after-50-years-manufacturing/9007624
Australia welcomed more than 600,000 foreign students in 2017( 13 Mar 2018 ) Retrieved from ICEF Monitor: https://monitor.icef.com/2018/03/australia-welcomed-600000-foreign-students-2017/
China is the most significant source of international students in Australia. Can you guess which country is next? (2016, 4 16). Retrieved from SBS URDU: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/most-international-students-come-to-australia-from-these-countries
csu. Global Citizenship (2018). Retrieved from: https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/orgs/O-Global-Citizenship-Hub/master-files-proof-v4/index.html
Farhad Nezhad Haj Ali Irani, M. R. (2011, june). Globalization and Challenges; What are the globalization’s. Retrieved from International Journal of Humanities and Social Science.
Globalization and Challenges; What are the globalization’s. (2011, june). Retrieved from International Journal of Humanities and Social Science.