The NSW Government has today announced a $1 million investment to help not-for-profit community education providers upgrade crucial infrastructure and training equipment.
Around 30 Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges across NSW have received crucial funding from the NSW Government in recognition of the services they deliver to disadvantaged students, communities and regions.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the funding will see students benefit from upgraded resources and industry standard training equipment.
"ACE colleges support the delivery of training to disadvantaged students who face barriers engaging in mainstream vocational education," Mr Lee said.
"The funding will allow 30 ACE colleges to expand their online delivery by providing IT equipment, laptops and software as well as upgrading industry‐specific plant and equipment for specialist vocational training."
Mr Lee said the grants had come at an important time and will help community colleges advance their virtual teaching capabilities thanks to the new IT equipment.
North Coast Community College executive officer Kate Kempshall said the funding will allow their not-for-profit college to invest in updated specialised equipment to facilitate vital First Aid, Hospitality and Primary Industries courses.
"The funding will ensure our students are learning with the advanced technology and resources to meet the requirements of emerging industries," Ms Kempshall said.
"We will be investing in new manikins for first aid, and safer and more reliable chainsaws for primary industries inclusive of up-to-date safety equipment."
"This funding will also allow us to purchase new video conferencing equipment increasingly more important for today's learning environment."
