TAFE has taken a swipe at universities and their ability to make students job-ready, telling careers advisors that 30 per cent of students at one of its Sydney campuses already have degrees.
In a copy of a speech to be delivered on Friday, executive director Jon Black goes on the offensive to sell TAFE's advantages over studying at university.
"Why is it that every Uber driver I speak to has a communications, business or law degree?" Mr Black asks.
"Just this week the Productivity Commission released a report which shows that university students are struggling to find employment relevant to their studies.
"[So] would you rather finish with a $4,000 debt or a $30,0000 debt?
"With strong job prospects or weak job prospects?"
TAFE is currently in a state of regrouping after years of budget cuts, fee increases, closures and competition with the private sector.
In an interview with the ABC, however, Mr Black softened his line, describing university education as very important to the nation.
He said his primary point was the need to address Australia's skills shortage, especially in the food, health and construction industries.
"The engine room of our economy comes from people that have skill, that can practically deliver work in the workplace."
Universities Australia has taken a more conciliatory line in response to Mr Black comments, saying the TAFE and university sectors were both important.
Executive director Belinda Robinson said the fact people with university degrees were going to TAFE should be encouraged and vice versa.
"Many people who have gone to TAFE are now in university and will see TAFE as a pathway," she said.
She added that there was more to the latest Productivity Commission figures, showing university graduate employment at less than 70 per cent.
"The figures represent underemployment not unemployment and also they are figures based on the first few months of graduation.
"I don't think anybody would expect that a university graduate would walk into a job the Monday after graduation, but we do know after three years 90 per cent of graduates are in full-time work."
