Access to quality childcare is a critical need for families and communities across New England and wider NSW.
In the past 5 years, employment of childcare workers in the New England region has grown by 17% and remains one of the most advertised jobs in the area.
As part of the NSW Government's commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW, construction work began earlier this month to upgrade Early Childhood Education and Care training facilities on campus at TAFE NSW Gunnedah.
The $2.5 million project, supported by the Federal Government's TAFE Technology Fund, will create simulated learning spaces including an indoor playroom and an outdoor play space with a sandpit and shade sail.
The learning space will also be outfitted with new technology, including connected learning capability to connect to other TAFE NSW campus locations across the state.
This allows teachers to deliver practical skills virtually, improving learner experiences in more remote communities.
The skills shortage in NSW underscores the need to revitalise a robust and enduring TAFE NSW, and by offering more flexible training options like remote-access learning, the government is helping future-proof the vital early childhood and education care workforce.
The upgrades are expected to be completed later this year, ready for students to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood and Education Care for Semester 1 2025.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said:
"I'm so proud of the NSW Labor Government for understanding the importance of and investing in TAFE NSW as the core public provider of apprenticeships and traineeships.
"The upgraded facilities at TAFE NSW Gunnedah will support a pipeline of job-ready childcare workers, helping to bridge skills gaps in the region and build a strong early childhood education workforce to support local community needs.
"The upgraded facilities will provide the latest industry-standard equipment learners need to be job-ready, and also facilitate enriched social opportunities for local children.
"We're helping deliver a pipeline of qualified childcare educators and carers, ready to enter the workforce and meet the community need."
