$47 million Illawarra Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence scheduled to open in 2027

Combined NSW and federal funding worth $47 million has been announced to establish the Illawarra Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW Wollongong, the third TAFE CoE announced for the state.

According to a joint statement from the two governments on Tuesday, the upcoming facility will:

• Provide targeted training in traditional and emerging heavy industry manufacturing for the defence and transport sectors;
• Integrate emerging technologies and automation into training, equipping students for work in digital, electrical and robotic manufacturing; and
• Deliver microskills and microcredentials to upskill current workers.

“The TAFE NSW Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Illawarra will provide opportunities for local workers to reskill and upskill in areas most critical to a growing and evolving manufacturing sector, including new digital technologies such as robotics,” said NSW skills minister Steve Whan.

The facility will pilot a new degree apprenticeship titled the Associate Degree in Manufacturing and Applied Digital Technologies, and offer courses including Engineering Mechanical Trade, Laboratory Skills and 3D Printing.

“The centre will create a pipeline of skilled workers so we have the mechanical and electrical engineers, machinists and metal welders needed to secure the region’s future and support a thriving domestic advanced manufacturing industry in NSW,” said premier Chris Minns.

Some courses will be available from 2025, according to the release, while the refurbished site at Wollongong will be ready by 2027.

It follows announcements in September for a TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney at Wetherill Park and in October for the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Newcastle.

The federal government has allocated $325 million under the five-year National Skills Agreement, beginning in January 2024, to establish up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence nationally. 

It estimates the three in NSW will serve 10,000 learners over four years.

Picture: credit Steve Whan

Further reading

TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence announced

NSW, federal governments announce $28.1 million each for Hunter net zero TAFE CoE

Federal, Queensland governments announce $20 million for statewide battery technology training