Construcciones Yamaro: Sydney’s west to gain TAFE Construction Centre of Excellence

NSW Minister Steve Whan and Federal Minister Andrew Giles joined students at the Institute of Applied Technology – Construction at TAFE NSW Kingswood. (Image: NSW Government)

The Australian and NSW governments have committed $11 million to a new TAFE Construction Centre of Excellence in Sydney’s west, set to benefit thousands of construction workers across the country.

Workers can now access two new fee-free microskills – short, practical online courses. The centre will also work with industry and universities to develop a first-of-its-kind Higher Apprenticeship in construction, creating a new pathway that combines hands-on training with higher-level qualifications.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the new centre would create pathways for local workers while supporting a growing construction workforce.

“This investment means more local tradies and construction businesses will have access to high-quality training right here in the heart of Western Sydney,” said Car. “By backing practical, industry-led training, we’re helping ensure Western Sydney has the skilled workforce needed to build the homes for families.”

The existing Institute of Applied Technology – Construction at TAFE NSW Kingswood campus will be upgraded to a TAFE Construction Centre of Excellence under the joint investment.

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The microskills will give tradies and supervisors access to training in leadership and workplace culture, joining a growing suite of fee-free microskills covering areas such as digital capability, sustainability, project management and building information modelling.

Over the next two years, the centre will deliver more than 20,000 enrolments across microskills and microcredentials via online and in-person training.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said training must keep pace with new technology, modern building methods and the workforce needed to deliver more homes and infrastructure.

“These new fee-free microskills will help tradies and supervisors build practical skills in areas like leadership, workplace culture and digital capability, with flexible online training they can complete wherever they are,” said Whan.

The centre will support construction skills development through hands-on training aligned with industry needs. It will also work with the NSW Building Commission to deliver tailored industry programs, support the National Housing Accord, and address net-zero and sustainable building practices through training in modern methods of construction.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said boosting housing supply depends on growing the construction workforce, supported by improved training capability.

“This TAFE Centre of Excellence will offer students and apprentices cutting-edge skills, and align with industry needs for workers to more easily access opportunities to upskill,” said Giles.

This marks the establishment of the 20th and final nationally networked TAFE Centre of Excellence under the National Skills Agreement, a five-year agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories focused on building the skilled workforce to set Australia up now and for the future.

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