More than 26,000 students exploring careers in critical industries will benefit from an additional $108.5 million over four years for the NSW Government’s two new TAFE NSW Institutes of Applied Technology (IAT).
Treasurer Matt Kean said the 2022-23 NSW Budget will back the revolutionary new education model which combines the best of university and vocational education, with a focus on two critical areas of demand – the construction industry and digital technology.
“The Budget will deliver a record investment for TAFE NSW, both in terms of operation funding and capital expenditure to improve facilities, upgrade teaching equipment and create modern learning spaces,” Mr Kean said.
“There’s never been a better time to get skilled up and get ahead. These new IATs will strengthen the delivery of education and training, creating a pipeline of job-ready graduates, and set graduates up for the future.”
This investment will bolster the existing $222.5 million commitment from the NSW Government to design and construct the two pilot Institutes.
The IAT for Digital Technology at Meadowbank will focus on the in-demand areas of big data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, and will be delivered in partnership with Microsoft, the University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University.
The IAT for Construction at Kingswood will focus on project management, leadership, and digital construction skills, with a delivery partner to be announced soon.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the new IATs will bring together TAFE NSW, our world class universities and industry leaders to ensure a holistic, hands-on learning experience for students.
“By partnering with companies like Microsoft and educational institutions like UTS and Macquarie University, we can deliver cutting-edge courses and a pipeline of job-ready graduates,” Mr Henskens said.
“This is the future of skills and training and the NSW Government is leading the nation in investing in this critical infrastructure which will help people get the skills to grow our economy and create a brighter future for our State.”
The IATs deliver on a key recommendation of the Gonski-Shergold review into the NSW vocational education and training sector.
Construction is underway on both sites, with both expected to be open in early 2023.
