NSW Budget delivers $2 billion to build the skilled workforce of the future

MORE than $2.3 billion in vocational education and training (VET), which includes a $2 billion investment in TAFE that will build the skilled workforce of the future, Minister for Skills and Small Business John Barilaro announced today.

Mr Barilaro said small businesses will also benefit from a $14 million business package that includes the Small Biz Connect program, small business advocacy services, dispute resolution and multicultural advisors, as well as $15 million over 10 years for existing lottery agents to apply for approved shop re-fits.

 

“The investment in TAFE NSW represents an increase of $122 million compared to last year’s budget, which will help students get the skills they need to enter the workforce and includes a $101 million capital works program to create more modern facilities,” he said.

The major capital works program includes $46 million to deliver 13 ongoing projects across NSW, a further $38 million for minor works to improve the amenity of facilities for students and staff, and $17 million for seven new projects to provide students and staff access to the most modern facilities.

 

The new projects include:

• Hunter Institute Newcastle Campus: Customer Service and Industry Development Centre to improve services to students, businesses and industry clients, through refurbished facilities.

• Illawarra Institute: Flexible Information Technology Infrastructure will help students to access online learning tools and offer students and employers more choice in how, when and where training is accessed.

• North Coast Institute Coffs Harbour Education Campus: The construction technologies hub will improve vocational education and training opportunities on the Mid North Coast through industry standard training facilities.

• Northern Sydney Institute: A hospitality training centre will provide essential upgrades to critical infrastructure and training facilities, strengthening the delivery of high quality training.

• South Western Sydney Institute: A specialist engineering industry standard facility with flexible workshops to meet changing demand.

• Western Institute: TAFE Western Connect stage 2 will provide learners with access to quality education and training either at a physical location or facilitated online learning. 

www.nsw.gov.au

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