TAFE Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to open in Western Sydney

The federal and NSW Governments have announced joint funding of $53.95 million to establish the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney.

The centre, located at TAFE NSW’s Wetherill Park Campus, aims to deliver advanced education and training in manufacturing across the engineering, transport and renewable energy sectors.

The Centre of Excellence will enable apprentices to access degree-level learning while retaining a focus on existing hands-on skills, and support the development of microskills and microcredentials, allowing TAFE NSW to rapidly respond to emerging skills needs in evolving high-technology industries.

The centre will also give apprentices access to cutting edge equipment and technology, including smart factories, industrial 3D printing, and robotic and automated manufacturing.

Arrangements will be established with university partners to share knowledge and collaborate on course design and delivery, bringing vocational and higher education closer together. Partnerships will also be developed with local industry to inform course design, provide access to expertise, and host apprentices and trainees, providing benefits to both employers and learners.

Increasing the number of people qualified in advanced manufacturing is vital to support a Future Made in Australia. The NSW Government says the centre will strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) system by delivering high-quality and responsive skills training to 10,000 learners over four years, tailored to the rapidly digitising manufacturing sector.

The Australian Government is investing $325 million under the five-year National Skills Agreement that began on 1 January 2024, to establish a network of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence in areas of high skills needs.

“The Western Sydney Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is a great example of the genuine collaboration that is happening between the Albanese and state governments,” said federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles. “Together, we’re putting TAFE at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, to the benefit of Australian businesses and workers.”

“Today we are delivering what we promised: a TAFE manufacturing centre of excellence in Western Sydney providing fully subsidised training for manufacturing apprentices,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. “This government is investing in the future of manufacturing, so workers have the latest skills and businesses have access to talent right here in Western Sydney.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Fertnig