In a significant boost to the Australian manufacturing sector, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have jointly announced $53.95 million in funding to establish the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at the Wetherill Park campus in Western Sydney.
The new centre aims to provide cutting-edge education and training in the engineering, transport, and renewable energy sectors, as revealed in a news release.
This move is expected to solidify Western Sydney’s reputation as a key hub for global manufacturers, while supporting apprentices in acquiring both traditional and advanced skills in manufacturing.
“The Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing will lead to the delivery of high-quality and responsive skills training in a sector critical to our economy,” said Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles.
The Centre of Excellence will offer degree-level learning while maintaining a focus on practical skills. Additionally, it will support microskills and microcredential programs that can rapidly adapt to emerging industry demands.
The facility is set to feature cutting-edge equipment, including smart factories, 3D printing, robotics, and automated manufacturing systems.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasised the importance of this initiative in building a sustainable workforce.
“This will create a pipeline of skilled workers so we have the fitters, machine operators, and welders needed to support a thriving domestic advanced manufacturing industry in NSW,” Minns stated.
The centre is part of a broader strategy by the Minns Government to enhance vocational education, with a commitment to providing fully subsidised training to an additional 1,000 apprenticeships annually in advanced manufacturing fields.
Over the next four years, the Centre is expected to serve 10,000 learners, ensuring that the workforce keeps pace with the rapidly digitising manufacturing landscape.
“This Centre will shape workforces that can thrive in the modern manufacturing landscape,” said NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan.
“Our investment will ensure graduates receive cutting-edge qualifications co-developed by TAFE NSW, industry, and universities.”
In total, the Australian Government is investing $325 million over five years through the National Skills Agreement to create up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence across the country.
The Centre of Excellence in Western Sydney marks the first of three planned centres in NSW, reinforcing both the state’s and the nation’s commitment to enhancing manufacturing sovereignty and building a skilled workforce for the future.
“Our area is already a manufacturing base, and this investment will cement our place in training and creating the jobs of the future,” added Chris Bowen, Member for McMahon.
