It indicates a need for greater training and recognition of that training with official certification. It also provides opportunities for many people who left schooling early or who had an unsatisfactory time at high school to re-approach formal education training later in life when they have a clearer understanding of their needs.

TAFE courses often assist people to formalise their skills - as recognised prior learning - and to convert this knowledge into formal accreditation.

While some people might not have high levels of literacy skills, their personal experience is often a goldmine and can be converted into significant educational honours.

Using experience gained and acknowledged through the Tafe system often provides a handy step into tertiary training at a university level and this can be the absolute making of people. Long may it continue.

o o o

THE Prime Minister announced one of her catch-cries for the September 14 election would regard the modern family.

Those fans of the black comedy titled Modern Family might wince at the link with a caring but dysfunctional collection of people who don’t quite seem to get it right.

But then again?

If the betting market yesterday is to be any guide, then the punters of the nation are prepared to tip some of their hard-earned on former PM Kevin Rudd to be back in charge of the ALP and the government on election day. 

Mr Rudd’s odds have shortened considerably from $2.40 to $1.90 in the past couple of days.

Centrebet pays no credences to Mr Rudd’s statement he won’t be challenging for the leadership again.