THE opening of a new learning hub at Corowa TAFE has already boosted enrolments by 30 per cent.
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TAFE NSW regional general manager Kerry Penton told of the rise on Friday after the Connected Learning Centre at the Corowa campus was opened by state minister Adam Marshall.
“We have seen an increase in enrolments of 30 per cent already and being in the middle of the semester that’s really promising,” Ms Penton said.
The $3.7 million hub provides greater access to courses via networked links to other campuses as well as space for mobile training units to be set-up for subjects such as carpentry, commercial cookery and hair and beauty.
“It’s that great blend of technology and practical skills training,” Ms Penton said.
In his speech to mark the opening, Mr Marshall said the number of courses available in Corowa had tripled with drone essentials one of the new subjects.
“We are TAFE NSW not TAFE Sydney or TAFE North Coast or TAFE South Coast,” Mr Marshall said, stressing the government’s desire to provide courses for everybody from “Ultimo to Deniliquin”.
He said the first four Connected Learning Centres across NSW had led to a 55 per cent rise in enrolments.
Ms Penton expects a similar overall spike at Corowa.
Corowa TAFE services co-ordinator Kelly Ralph has gone from part time to full time to cater for the expected interest.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin noted the project was first announced last November when Premier Gladys Berejiklian visited Corowa.
Mr Marshall turned the initial sod in February alongside Mr Aplin and Federation Council mayor Pat Bourke.
“It’s a great thrill to see the construction by Joss has come about in such a marvellous presentation,” Mr Aplin said.
He said previously students needed to travel as far away as Canberra to study.
Guests at the opening on Friday included Federation Shire mayor Pat Bourke, councillor Paul Miegel and general manager Adrian Butler.
Albury-based TAFE commercial cookery teacher David O’Dea made a chocolate layer cake for the occasion with Mr Marshall and Mr Aplin given the job of putting the final cherries on top.
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