Losing a “hands-on” practical experience at Qurindi TAFE is a real worry for local business operators.
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The Quirindi campus has been selected as a site for the new TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre (CLC).
Described by Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen as a “next generation learning environment for students in regional areas”, the CLC would be located in town and “improve physical access for students and will enable a wider range of courses”.
But the changes don’t sit well with everyone, including Quirindi business operator Julie Green.
“I’m not in favour it. I would like to see it remain where it is,” Mrs Green said, who had one of her staff trained there a few years ago.
She is worried about the future of the existing Henry St campus once the relocation goes ahead.
“I wonder about the next step if we bring it to a shopfront, do we lose [the main campus] from that point on?,” she questioned.
To lose the campus would leave a “big hole” in the community, she said, especially in skilled trades.
“I appreciate that e-learning is happening but a lot of people require hands on experience so they need that practical part of the course.”
Duty MLC for Upper Hunter Mick Veitch called on government to come clean on any sell-off of Quirindi TAFE’s old campus.
“This is just another attempt to sell real estate in NSW,” Mr Veitch said.
“That TAFE campus will be sold at some stage in the future, we need the government to rule that out.”
Mr Johnsen, who was speaking on behalf of both TAFE NSW and NSW Government, said the Quirindi CLC is their first priority.
“TAFE NSW will not divest the existing Henry Street campus before establishing the Quirindi CLC,” Mr Johnsen said.