The Minns Labor Government has delivered a $1.2 million upgrade to hair and beauty training facilities at TAFE NSW Campbelltown as demand for specialist skills and training in southwest Sydney grows.
The upgrade means TAFE NSW Campbelltown now has expanded training offerings and will teach hair and beauty courses for the first time, Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said.
The funding has seen 2 generalist teaching spaces converted into specialist, adaptable classrooms, fitted with industry-standard tanning equipment, make-up bays, waxing tools, wash basins and cutting and styling tools.
Since the new facilities opening in July, some 95 hair and beauty students have enrolled at TAFE NSW Campbelltown in courses including the new Fee-Free Certificate III in Makeup, Certificate II in Salon Assistant, Certificate III in Beauty Services and Certificate III in Nail Technology.
After the Liberal National government spent 12 years cutting courses, sacking teachers and closing TAFE NSW campuses, the Minns Labor Government is committed to restoring TAFE NSW as the heart of vocational education in the state.
The Minns Labor Government is now making the careful and necessary decisions to address the holes left in the budget by the Liberals to ensure we fund the essential services people rely on.
This includes committing to a floor of 70% of its skills budget going to TAFE NSW.
The Minns Labor government is also conducting a comprehensive review of the vocational education system in NSW that has already begun consultation around the state.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:
"As southwest Sydney's population goes from strength to strength, the demand for training skilled workers is continuing to grow.
"It is wonderful to see students at this TAFE NSW campus learning on industry-standard hair and beauty teaching facilities.
"Students will also be able to learn their trade and gain hands-on experience in an environment just like a regular salon.
"This investment will ensure people who want to start their own business or work as beauticians, hairdressers, barbers and salon assistants can learn skills in their local area for years to come."
TAFE NSW Head Teacher Beauty, Rebecca Hamilton said:
"The new simulated beauty salon and multi-purpose learning space provides three new practical spaces for specialised training and will give students the edge they need to excel in their apprenticeships and career.
"Thanks to the new facilities, we've been able to meet high local demand for our hair and beauty courses, with another class already added to accommodate interest in Certificate III in Makeup,' Ms Hamilton said."
