TAFE NSW launches course to address entertainment industry skill shortage

July 19, 2024

Karen Sweaney

To address the growing skills shortage in the entertainment industry and with live events and productions booming again, TAFE NSW Enmore Design Centre is delivering a new course in Certificate III in Live Production (Scenery and Props).

According to Live Performance Australia, the live performance industry contributes over $4 billion annually to the Australian economy and employs nearly 40,000 people nationwide. Data from their January 2024 Skills Priority List highlights critical shortages in staging technicians, stagehands, technical directors, set and scenic designers, and costume makers/wardrobe assistants.

Live Performance Australia Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson welcomed the commencement of the new course next semester and added “there are shortages of skilled production and technical workers right across the Australian live performance industry.

“We regularly survey our member companies and organisations on the roles they are trying to fill, and audio, lighting and set/scenic design are among the top ten categories where there are shortages of skilled staff.

“The new certificate course offered by TAFE NSW will play a vital role in helping more people develop the knowledge and skills needed to build a rewarding career in our diverse and exciting live performance industry.”

TAFE NSW Director of Media Art Design and Entertainment Jasmine Robertson emphasised the importance of the new training package in addressing specific industry needs.

Robertson noted “Post-COVID has created many skills gaps across live production in theatre, film, music gigs, festivals, and events. The new course meets the evolving needs of the industry, allowing students to specialise in scenery and props.

“The Design Centre Enmore has a strong history of equipping people with industry-ready skills. With our strong industry connections, experienced teaching staff, and excellent facilities, students can be confident they will acquire the skills needed to land work in this growing sector.”

TAFE NSW Enmore Design Centre graduate and Frenches Forest resident Hazel Staples studied a Diploma of Live Production Design in 2023 and immediately found work in the industry.

Staples advised “TAFE was an overwhelmingly positive experience and really set me up for success. The course provided me with a diverse and practical skill set which I have taken into industry work. Last year I worked on the Rise of the Planet of the Apes set, which was a great opportunity. I’m currently working in costume design at Promotechnics, making character costumes, mascots, brand assets and props for product activations and theatre productions.”

Image. Enmore theater SWAG

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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