The Connected Learning Centres (CLCs) are the first four in the state and represent a $9.5-million investment, with each worth about than $2.2 million.

The other three are located in Glen Innes, Quirindi and Coonabarabran.

Northern Tablelands MP and Assistant Skills Minister Adam Marshall said many TAFE campuses in regional communities were limited in what courses they could offer.

He said the CLCs would “change and modernise” the way courses were delivered in those communities.

“With the CLCs students will have the opportunity to study basically any course TAFE offers throughout the state,” Mr Marshall said.

“They’ll study through a mixture of blended learning. There are certainly online components, but the practical components are there through mobile training units.

“They can study the courses they need to get the jobs that are in their local community as their economy grows – in their community rather than being forced to travel to the Hunter Valley, or to Tamworth or Armidale.

“When completed, these four new CLCs will be multi-purpose and digital learning facilities where students will receive more personalised learning experiences, better access to teachers both on and off-site, simulated work environments and directly relevant training for skills shortages of the future.”

Mr Marshall said in addition to providing local students with access to a greater range of learning and course options, the CLCs were designed to suit a variety of local needs so they remain at the heart of the communities they serve. 

“The NSW government has always said that where there is a TAFE today there will be a TAFE in the future and I reaffirm that commitment today as we focus on communities where TAFE doesn’t have a presence or where outdated facilities are not meeting future needs,” he said.

All four centres are expected to be completed by November. The Quirindi campus will continue operating until the new CLC in Quirindi’s main street, is opened.