Coffs Harbour is set to receive an innovative new TAFE NSW SkillsPoints headquarters, as part of the NSW Government’s push to create the workforce of the future by collaborating with business and industry.
Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser today revealed the coastal town as the chosen location of one of six new regional and three metropolitan SkillsPoints headquarters, which have been designed to ensure TAFE NSW builds on its reputation as a world-class vocational education and training provider.
“SkillsPoints are intersection points where TAFE NSW will work with business and industry to develop curriculum and training to provide Australians with the skills needed for the jobs of the future,” Mr Fraser said.
“Our new SkillsPoints will focus on developing curriculum and training for the booming tourism industry, to cater for a high demand in hospitality staff, travel and accommodation workers and marketing and promotions professionals.”
The first SkillsPoints HQ – Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science – will open in Newcastle in September.
The rollout of the remaining SkillsPoints HQs in Griffith, Tamworth, Queanbeyan, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Ultimo, Parramatta and Mount Druitt – will be announced in coming months.
Assistant Minister for Skills Adam Marshall said each SkillsPoints will be powered by a core team of between eight and 15 staff to meet the needs of local students and employers.
“What is so exciting about these SkillsPoints headquarters is that each location has been strategically determined to support its own region’s economic growth and employment needs. So, for example, the SkillsPoints in Coffs Harbour will focus on tourism while the SkillsPoints in Griffith will focus on agribusiness,” Mr Marshall said.
“With regionally based headquarters and a Statewide focus, SkillsPoints will be capable of rapidly designing and delivering training to meet the needs of established and emerging industries.
“Whether in a classroom, on-site, online or a combination of these, SkillsPoints training and resources will be tailored to industry needs and demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring the same high-quality, industry relevant content anywhere from the city to rural and regional NSW.”