Minister Whan turned the first sod on the site of a new multi-purpose building at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, that will enable the delivery of a variety of courses, including animal studies, aviation, creative services and electrotechnology.
Construction can now begin on the $25 million new multi-purpose building, providing students with the skills needed to support local industries like construction, healthcare, wildlife conservation, and aviation.
Phase one of the TAFE NSW Kingscliff investment will be complete in June this year. The $8.8 million investment will deliver a refurbishment of several buildings, including health and community services. This will allow health students to complete hands-on training in a simulated hospital environment.
The TAFE NSW Kingscliff investment will help support the skills needs of the local community and accommodate enrolment growth and workforce demand in the Tweed region.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“We know that the demand for skilled nurses, builders, and electricians in Northern NSW will continue to grow over the next decade.
“This new facility will support the skills needs in these industries, accommodating the enrolment growth we are seeing in the Tweed region.
“TAFE NSW Kingscliff plays a vital role in supporting the Tweed’s economy by equipping learners with the industry-aligned skills employers need.
“With the growth we are expected to see in this region, as more people choose to relocate to this wonderful part of the world, we need to ensure our workforce is ready for this expansion.
“Students and teachers need to have functional classrooms and access to equipment to learn the skills they need to be industry-ready. This investment ensures TAFE NSW is well-placed to meet the educational and employment needs of communities.
“The continued investment in TAFE NSW’s infrastructure will create a welcoming learning environment, improve educational outcomes, and support the state’s critical skills needs."