In an effort to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak on campus, Wagga's TAFE will transition to online by "prioritising theory over practical", a spokesperson has told The Daily Advertiser.
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Also at this time, it is understood practical assessments that require assistance from the general public - including masseurs demonstrations, beautician and hairdressing workshops - will be suspended.
"Practical assessments ... have been paused at this time and will be reviewed [or] scheduled in due course," the spokesperson told The Daily Advertiser.
But even TAFE NSW announced the fleet of changes to its course models, the spokesperson confirmed plans to keep the institution operating into the foreseeable future.
"Importantly, where a teaching program requires face-to-face interaction or practical environments such as labs, kitchens or workshop, teachers are following social distancing guidelines," the spokesperson said.
"TAFE NSW's cleaning contractors are prioritising cleaning of hard surfaces in high traffic flow areas, along with regular cleaning of classrooms.
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It follows announcements from other tertiary education providers, including Wagga's Charles Sturt University campus, that the holidays will be brought forward to commence at the end of this week.
TAFE NSW has confirmed at this stage it has no such plans to do likewise, but will support any student or staff member who deems it personally necessary to leave campus.
"Where students are unable to attend class, TAFE NSW will work with individual students to make arrangements, which may include making up classes at a future time," the spokesperson said.
"We are also currently implementing alternative learning strategies including online, connected, Moodle access [an online learning platform] and hard-copy resources to enable a focus on theory components of the courses."
Students that require outside placements on building sites or in child care centres for example, will be subject to individual analysis before they will be permitted to attend.
"Where students, employers and TAFE NSW are in agreement and risk mitigation strategies can be implemented, work placements can be undertaken," the spokesperson said.
"The situation is monitored for any changes in government policy, process or advice."
Some on-campus services will remain in operation, subject to ongoing health advice.
"Childcare centres are considered to be an essential service and as such will remain open," said the spokesperson.