An article in Wednesday’s Express detailed concerns from the NSW Teachers Federation and the Public Service Association.

Representatives said staff were under immense stress because of issues using TAFE’s new computer administration system.

They also said the sytem was responsible for late student registrations and a number of teacher resignations.

TAFE New England Institute Director Peter Heilbuth said the claims were an exaggeration.

“The claims made by the local union officials about the impact of technology and the new enrolment system at TAFE New England are misleading,” Mr Heilbuth said.

In response to difficulties arising from enrolments Mr Heilbuth said “only seven enrolments were placed” using the new system earlier this year. 

“There are three open support calls with our internal help desk about our [computer system] errors.

“It has been an extraordinary period of change for the organisation as a whole.

“We are transitioning through a period of change, and today I have written to the principals of the unions asking that they substantiate their claims, and to meet with me to discuss the concerns tabled in The Armidale Express.”

The Teachers Federation stand by their comments. TAFE organiser Kathy Nicholson said the meeting was good news.

“[We] welcome any meeting … if it led to the system being fixed.”