Penrith Council pairs with TAFE to ensure secure ECEC trainees

Penrith, a Greater Western Sydney suburb 50 kilometres west of the CBD, is one of the fastest growing regions of the greater Sydney area, and with an average age of 34 at last census, an area which is popular with young families. 

Penrith is booming thanks to major infrastructure projects including the Western Sydney International Airport precinct, Nepean Hospital upgrade, metro rail line and newly announced TAFE NSW Western Sydney Construction Hub, which are expected to draw many families to the area.  

As such, the local council has developed a strong partnership with TAFE NSW to provide “a steady stream” qualified locals with skills to tackle the growing demand for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in the region. 

TAFE NSW is training more than 50 Penrith City Council trainees each year in Business Administration and Early Childhood Education and Care, to cater to the demand for council services. 

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Michael Cullen outlined the opportunities offered through a fee-free traineeship, funded by the NSW Government, that combines on-the-job training with formal study to give students the skills and experience employers are looking for, saying there has “never been a better time” to engage in further studies. 

Under the NSW Government’s fee-free apprenticeship and traineeship initiative, the government will pay the course cost for 70,000 new traineeships for businesses. 

“The strong training partnership TAFE NSW has with Penrith City Council is giving locals the opportunity to receive hands-on, practical training they can apply to a meaningful job serving the greater Penrith community,” Mr Cullen said. 

Further information about the range of courses offered by TAFE NSW is available on their website, here.