More people than ever before will be supported to get a first job, a new job or a better job thanks to a record $2.8 billion recurrent investment in skills and training through the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

As part of the landmark investment, the NSW Government is delivering a record $2.0 billion recurrent investment in TAFE NSW – Australia’s largest training provider.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said in addition, TAFE NSW will also receive a $318.9 million capital investment to upgrade teaching equipment, facilities and digital infrastructure, taking the total capital spend on TAFE NSW to $792.2 million since 2020-21.

“This Budget cements the golden era of investment in skills and training in NSW, delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Mr Henskens said.

“This unprecedented investment will accelerate the skills-led recovery, which has already delivered hundreds-of-thousands of fee-free training places and contributed to low unemployment rates.”

“NSW continues to lead the nation in creating a pipeline of skilled workers for the future and this Budget invests in everything from employment pathways for young people through to cutting-edge training in new and emerging industries.”

“The Budget also doubles down on the importance of TAFE NSW to our economy, delivering a record recurrent budget for the nation’s largest training provider, while investing more in capital funding in TAFE NSW than ever before.”

The NSW Government will invest $82.7 million over four years to deliver fee-free apprenticeships, traineeships and priority qualifications for people across NSW, with a particular focus on industries experiencing high demand for skilled workers.

The Budget will also provide $25.1 million for the statewide expansion of Careers NSW, to enable people in every part of the state to access free career guidance and expert advice to help them get the job they want.

Highlights of the NSW Government’s investment in TAFE NSW include $108.5 million in recurrent expenses over four years for the two new Institutes of Applied Technology at Kingswood and Meadowbank.

In Northern NSW, TAFE NSW Kingscliff will receive $32.7 million in capital funding to significantly expand course offerings in critical local industries such as healthcare and electrotechnology, while TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour will receive a $29.6 million upgrade.