Overview

Learning for jobs and brighter futures

TAFE NSW stands proudly at the centre of the state's vocational education and training sector. As the leading skills provider in the state we have an important role to play in the post-pandemic economic recovery, delivering relevant, practical and creative training to grow the NSW economy and skill the workforce for the future.

As we work toward completing the modernisation reforms, we are guided by four strategic goals:

• Skill the State’s workforce of the future as the provider of choice
• Be a contemporary, commercial and sustainable business
• Serve our local communities
• Develop a customer-driven, proud and productive TAFE NSW team

The NSW Government's vision is for a modern TAFE NSW that provides high quality, industry-relevant training for the jobs of tomorrow.

Read the vision here.

Find out how we are delivering job ready workers, being a successful business, strengthening communities and growing our people.

Read our Strategic Plan.

Description

History

TAFE NSW plays a vital role in training the workforce of the future. As we continue to innovate, and respond to changing community and industry skills needs, we are writing the next chapter of the proud 130-year history of an organisation with roots embedded in Australia’s heritage.

Highlights of our history

1830s: Founded in 1833, the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts was at the forefront in New South Wales, with the first technical class, mechanical drawing. A similar institute, the Sydney Technical College, opened in Newcastle in 1835.

1850s: During the 1850s, the gold rush further stimulated the growth of Australia’s eastern colonies so that, by the 1870s, the diversification of industries and the demand for skilled labour remained high.

1883: The NSW State Government assumed responsibility for Sydney Technical College This date is often quoted as the year that TAFE NSW, although not yet known by this name, was born.

1890s: Sydney Technical College moved from its premises in the centre of the city to a new campus at Ultimo.

1949: The Technical Education and New South Wales University of Technology Act was the first time a piece of NSW legislation to directly acknowledge the existence of a technical education system.

1950s and 1960s: This decade saw unprecedented demand for technical education to meet the workforce needs of Australia’s post-WWII industrial and economic boom.

1970s: The establishment of the Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFEC) and the provision of Commonwealth funding had a historic effect. Technical education would now be known by a new name – TAFE – and be recognised as a distinct educational body with its own administrative structure. A policy of regionalisation was brought into play with community colleges further expanding across NSW to meet training needs.

2016: The NSW Government released its Vision for TAFE NSW. This gave us the foundations for establishing our own vision, One TAFE NSW learning for jobs and brighter futures, and purpose to skill the workforce for the future.

2017: TAFE NSW returned to a more centralised model, bringing together 130 campuses across the state, allowing us to get better results for our students and employers, and to continue our proud tradition delivering the highest quality education and training.

Further reading: Bradford, T. (2010) ‘Second Chance Not Second Best. A History of TAFE NSW 1949-1997.’ PhD Thesis, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Technology,

PEOPLE

A great experience is always enhanced when you share it with great people, and it’s the people at TAFE NSW who will lift your learning experience to the extraordinary.

TAFE NSW employs people from all backgrounds and walks of life, in a mix of full-time, part-time, temporary and casual positions. These include our teachers, classroom support staff, librarians,
security personnel, child care staff, campus managers and administrators. Such diversity, shared knowledge and combined experience helps TAFE NSW to support you in realising your dreams.

To ensure you reach your full potential, we only hire people who are passionate and dedicated to delivering exceptional training to you in an exceptional training environment.

Whether you choose to study on site at a TAFE NSW campus, online or in the workplace, the friendly and supportive TAFE NSW team aims to give you a unique and fulfilling learning experience - a learning experience that gives you the skills you need to excel in your chosen career.

Award-winning teachers

Our award-winning teachers must have at least five years’ experience working in their field, prior to joining TAFE NSW. They are encouraged to also remain active in their industry and industry associations, with many continuing to work in their industry in addition to their teaching positions.

This ensures they are always up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies and trends. In fact, many of our teachers are recognised industry leaders, relishing the opportunity to share their extensive skills, knowledge and experience with you.

Better job opportunities

Our commitment to aligning with industry needs is demonstrated by our close working relationships with industry partners and clients, plus our strong support of students gaining qualifications in the workplace. We also continue to build teaching capacity in skill shortage areas so that we can meet future workforce needs, meaning greater job opportunities for you.

With over 130 years’ experience, TAFE NSW has developed an enviable industry network that enables you to find meaningful employment and a satisfying ongoing career.

So whether you are just starting out, changing careers or re-entering the workforce, the people at TAFE NSW will give you the support you need to find your pathway, embrace your study, tap into industry networks, and obtain the qualification that is right for your future.

TAFE NSW MULTICULTURAL PLAN 2020

TAFE NSW is committed to creating a workplace and educational space where the promotion of diversity and inclusion is valued. TAFE NSW has written a Multicultural Plan which aims to deliver on the objective “that people from culturally diverse communities achieve high degrees of social and economic participation.”

Download the TAFE NSW Multicultural Plan 2020-2022

Why do we need a Multicultural Plan?

Under the Multicultural NSW Act 2000, TAFE NSW has a legislative responsibility to submit a Multicultural Plan to Multicultural NSW.

What’s in the TAFE NSW Multicultural Plan?

The Plan contains 15 targets which were developed based on research and stakeholder consultation. These targets are designed to support the social and economic success for culturally and linguistically diverse students, employees, and communities.

Progress report 2018-2020

We regularly report progress against our Multicultural Plans to Multicultural NSW. In 2020, we were pleased to share the work our dedicated employees delivered from 30 June 2018 to 1 July 2020 as part of the TAFE NSW Multicultural Plan 2016-17.

Highlights include:

• Leveraging strong relationships with a broad range of community and government organisations which enable us to identify and address community needs.
• Continuing long-standing programs and services that play a fundamental role in supporting communities.
• Focusing on ongoing development of targeted tailored courses in response to community needs.

Read the full report here for examples which showcase the impact of our work on culturally and linguistically diverse communities in NSW.