TAFE students from across the Riverina are set to benefit from a $600,000 upgrade to metalwork training facilities at the TAFE NSW Wagga campus. Photo: TAFE NSW.
The NSW Government has addressed critical shortcomings in TAFE classrooms by investing $300 million to provide upgrades in equipment and teaching spaces.
Campuses across the state, including Wagga Wagga and Albury are set to receive refinished infrastructure, classroom equipment, improved digital connectivity and updated Wi-Fi systems.
From welders for Wagga Wagga to tractors for Wollongbar and Goulburn, and forklifts for Nirimba and Albury, the funding will deliver new equipment to support the continued delivery of industry-aligned training to learners.
In addition to maintenance work and new teaching equipment, the investment also provides more than $36 million for more than 8500 new digital devices and directs funding into improved digital connectivity at 28 regional campuses across the state.
The investment in digital connectivity is a particularly major win for regional communities and will be used to overhaul outdated network infrastructure, improve Wi-Fi connectivity, and build cyber security resilience, which is critical for effective teaching and learning in the 21st century.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the $300 million investment would help rebuild the physical and digital infrastructure at 120 TAFE NSW campuses.
“When I became Minister for TAFE, I was alarmed to get letters from students at TAFE colleges in country NSW telling me they were using their own phones to get internet connectivity on their campuses – because the Wi-Fi was so out of date,” he said.
“Stories about neglected classrooms don’t help to attract the people we need to see taking on training or teaching. The NSW Government is doing something about it.
“In Wagga Wagga, this investment will mean $600,000 to deliver upgraded fabrication and welding facilities and equipment, ensuring apprentices working on major projects like Inland Rail, or maintaining local bridges across the Riverina are set up for success.”
On top of the welding facility upgrades, Wagga will also be receiving 164 new digital devices as well as a brand new Aboriginal Cultural space estimated to cost $550,000.
“Employers are relying on TAFE NSW to equip learners with in-demand skills using industry-standard equipment and technology, ensuring they graduate job-ready,” Mr Whan said.
“This announcement will ensure the right skills mix to drive jobs, opportunity and productivity in NSW.
“The continued investment in TAFE NSW’s infrastructure will expand learning opportunities in local communities, improve educational outcomes, and support the state’s critical skills needs.”
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