Sixty-eight TAFE NSW campuses will receive a significant funding boost of $74 million over 2 years to improve digital infrastructure.
The multi-million-dollar investment includes upgrading the outdated 2009 network, enhancing connectivity across 68 campus locations, and providing 14,900 new devices for students, employees, and teaching spaces.
These upgrades are essential for supporting modern educational needs in hybrid learning environments.
By enhancing digital infrastructure, all students regardless of location, will have access to the technology they need to succeed.
The first stage of the improvements, which include WiFi and digital infrastructure upgrades, will be completed at 28 campuses by the end of August. An additional 40 campuses are scheduled for completion by June 2025.
This includes $591,000 in digital and/or WiFi upgrades at Cessnock and $871,000 in digital and/or WiFi upgrades at Kurri Kurri Campuses in the Cessnock Electorate.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“The Minns Labor Government recognises that to expand learning opportunities in local communities, TAFE NSW needs enhanced network infrastructure and improved connectivity.”
“Investing in technology-enriched campuses will enable TAFE NSW to better deliver skills for critical and emerging industries.”
To date, we have already provided more than 6,000 new classroom devices for learners.”
“Investing in TAFE NSW ensures that the capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries for a modern economy is increased, and key workers in priority industries are trained to build a robust, scalable, and skilled workforce.”
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock said:
“For too long our TAFE campuses have been underfunded. This much needed funding boost to improve digital infrastructure is essential for our students education.”
“I am pleased to see both Cessnock and Kurri Kurri TAFE campuses are part of the 68 campuses who are receiving funding to improve the outdated network and upgrades to digital infrastructure.”
“With so many courses being delivered using digital technology it is essential that TAFE teachers and students have the necessary infrastructure to support them.”
TAFE NSW Wellington Head Teacher of Construction, Mark Penman said:
“As an educator, I see firsthand how important it is to provide access to quality education for students from regional, rural and disadvantaged communities. Many of our students rely heavily on campus-based digital infrastructure to complete their coursework.”
“Previously, during lessons, I had to walk around the room with my laptop to find internet coverage. This was very disruptive and hindered the learning experience.”
“With the upgrades, we can now offer a stable and reliable network connection that supports the needs of everyone, no matter which campus they are based at. This significantly improves both teaching and learning experiences, making our classrooms more efficient and engaging.”