It was more a sodden turning than a sod-turning when construction of the new $8 million TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre officially kicked off in Batemans Bay on Friday 11 June.
With rain coming down and the region in the grip of a polar blast, Bega MP Andrew Constance was joined by Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee to mark the construction milestone and announce Illawarra-based company Project Coordination had been awarded the construction contract.
Mr Constance said the CLC would provide local students with more personalised learning experiences, access to teachers both on site and by video, simulated work environments and relevant training to get a job.
“This will be the first ever fully-fledged TAFE NSW Campus in Batemans Bay and will play a central role in educating and training our community’s workforce,” Mr Constance said.
“Once opened, the CLC will provide world-class education opportunities for local students combining the latest learning technologies with high-quality practical training linked to jobs.
“Importantly, building this CLC will mean many local students will no longer need to travel long distances to study the right course to get them on their chosen career pathway.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the new CLC will equip students with the skills, knowledge and connections to employers that are needed to support the local and regional economy.
“Today’s sod turn shows the NSW Government is getting on with the job of providing quality training for regional students and a future workforce for local employers,” Mr Lee said.
“TAFE will work with industry and local businesses to ensure the courses offered at the CLC will provide the right skills needed to service the skills demands in the region.”
Supported by Mobile Training Units, the CLC will deliver the practical training TAFE NSW is known for, consistent with industry standards.
The Bateman’s Bay CLC is scheduled to open in April 2022.
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