TUC Secures Funding to Boost Local Workforce and Education Opportunities
Taree Universities Campus is thrilled to announce that it has secured a significant investment of $831,024 through the NSW Government's Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program (REDCIP). This funding is part of a broader $11.5 million investment by the Minns Government into six Northern Rivers projects, aimed at driving economic development and supporting job creation in regional NSW.
The investment in TUC is a pivotal step in addressing local workforce shortages and enhancing access to skills and training. This funding will enable TUC to expand its Community Connector Program, which plays a crucial role in helping new workers and their families settle into the region. The program will now offer additional support services, including links to housing, school, childcare, and social and employment opportunities, ensuring a smoother transition for those relocating to the area.
Furthermore, the funding will bolster existing roles, and create new opportunities within TUC, including a cultural connector to focus on Aboriginal cultures, a facilitator to collaborate with local schools on creating pathways to higher education, and a part-time tutor to support Year 12 students completing university access courses. These initiatives are designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment, catering to the diverse needs of the community.
TUC CEO, Donna Ballard, expressed her delight at receiving this investment, stating, "At TUC, we are committed to building a sustainable and skilled local workforce by supporting both current and future students throughout their educational journey. This funding will enable us to strengthen our programs and is a major step forward for our community and the future of our regional economy."
Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, acknowledged the significance of this funding, saying, "This grant will help address the massive gaps being felt across a number of industries in our region. It will provide the Universities Campus with the resources needed to attract new workers, retain existing ones, and give our young students the right building blocks to start their future."
The funding aligns with TUC's mission to create learning and employment opportunities that enhance the vibrancy of the MidCoast community. By investing in education and training, TUC and the NSW Government are working together to build a sustainable workforce that will drive the local economy forward.
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