People living in regional and remote NSW will have greater access to training, support and employment opportunities closer to home, as the Minns Labor Government continues to rebuild TAFE NSW and restore pathways into skilled careers across regional communities.
From Semester 1 2027, TAFE NSW will expand course offerings and support services across 10 campuses in some of the state's most remote communities, like Broken Hill and the Far West, helping more people gain practical skills, industry licences and qualifications without having to leave their community.
For many people living in regional and remote NSW, accessing training can mean travelling long distances or relocating altogether to continue their studies. By bringing more opportunities closer to home, the Minns Labor Government is helping remove barriers to education while ensuring regional communities share in the state's economic opportunities.
Under the Regional and Remote Campus Delivery Model, training will be shaped by local communities and employers, with courses tailored to community priorities and workforce demand.
This includes foundation skills, digital capability courses, accredited training pathways, industry-relevant licences and tickets, as well as nationally accredited and community-based short courses in priority areas such as construction, hospitality, business basics and community services.
Over the next five years, TAFE NSW will establish onsite support teams at participating campuses and continue working with communities and businesses so students can access training, build skills and connect with employment opportunities close to home.
The participating campuses are Boggabilla, Bourke, Brewarrina, Condobolin, Coomealla, Lake Cargelligo, Coonabarabran, Menindee, Walgett and Wilcannia.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Regional communities deserve access to the same opportunities as people living in our cities, and that starts with making sure people can access training and build their careers close to home.
"This investment will help regional people gain the skills they need for local jobs, while giving businesses a stronger pool of skilled workers to draw on.
"By listening to local communities and employers, we can make sure TAFE NSW is delivering the training regional communities need, where and when they need it.
"Strong local workforces are essential to the future of regional NSW, and this is about giving people the opportunity to build those workforces from within their own communities."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"After years of underinvestment in TAFE NSW under the former Liberal-National Government, too many regional communities like Broken Hill and the Far West were left without the opportunities they needed into skilled careers.
"The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding these pathways and making it easier for people in regional and remote communities to gain skills that work, build their confidence and take the next step into further study or employment.
"This is a guarantee of a core service from TAFE NSW in remote communities - a 100% contrast to the closures and cuts the Liberals and Nationals delivered.
"By working with local communities and businesses, we're delivering training options that meet local workforce needs and support the next generation of tradies, skilled workers and professionals.
"Our regional and remote campuses at the heart of their communities. Strong regional communities need a strong local workforce, and that's exactly what this initiative is helping to build."
Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP said:
"I often hear people from Barwon say they would like more opportunities to learn new skills and get qualifications without having to leave town. For instance, many apprentices have to travel hundreds of kilometres just complete the study component of their trade certificate.
"This initiative will help make a significant difference in communities across Barwon by bringing more training closer to home and helping people get the skills they need for local jobs.
"Whether it's someone looking to pick up a new qualification, or to get a licence for work, or to take the first step towards a trade, having these opportunities available locally is incredibly important for our communities. Saving time, money and a lot of the headaches associated with having to travel long distances to get things done."
