Record investment for lifelong learning
NSW students will benefit from a record $ 25.9 billion commitment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget , from their earliest years through primary and high school to vocational and tertiary education .
The NSW Government is supporting education at all stages , with an investment of more than $ 1.1 billion in early childhood education , $ 21.6 billion in schools and $ 3.1 billion in skills in 2022-23 .
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the first 2000 days of a child ’ s life were crucial to set them up for successful lifelong learning . “ I am so proud of our $ 5.8 billion commitment to a once-in-a-generation reform to deliver universal pre- Kindergarten by 2030 , as well as our $ 5 billion fund to increase the accessibility and affordability of childcare across the state ,” Ms Mitchell said .
“ These long-term reforms start immediately , with our $ 281.6 million early childhood workforce package , our $ 1.4 billion Affordable Preschool program , and our $ 376.5 million cross-agency Brighter Beginnings initiative being delivered over the next four years .”
NSW public schools are educating more than 800,000 students each year with the help of more than 90,000 dedicated teaching staff , and the NSW Government is ensuring students have the environment and support to reach their full potential . “ The school infrastructure pipeline continues with an additional 23 new and upgraded schools to be delivered ,” Ms Mitchell said .
“ The NSW Government is ensuring a brighter future for families and students by building a stronger education system .”
The Budget will also deliver record funding for skills and training , to support a highly adaptable workforce that contributes to the prosperity and productivity of NSW .
A landmark $ 3.1 billion will be invested in skills and training , including a record $ 2.0 billion for TAFE NSW , Australia ’ s largest training provider .
The NSW Government will invest $ 82.7 million over four years for an additional 70,000 fee-free training courses to accelerate the state ’ s skills-led recovery .
There is also the $ 25.1 million expansion of Careers NSW that has been rolled out across the state to provide career guidance to NSW residents at any stage of their career .
The Educational Pathways Program is being implemented in 145 state high schools after the successful completion of the 2020-21 pilot phase .
The program includes eight different initiatives that are delivered in conjunction with careers advisers and is designed to create engaging training and employment opportunities for students and young people .
Training people for the most important job in the world
Most of her career , Heather has worked in western Sydney with other nurses and carers , a high proportion of whom come from a migrant or refugee background . Now as lead trainer in Community Services at Macquarie Community College , Heather is well-known and respected .
“ I tell my students that looking after a person who ’ s in their last stage of life is one of the most important jobs in the world ,” says Heather .
“ Some of these people have fought for Australia , and all of them have helped build and contribute to this country . It ’ s very satisfying to make a difference in their lives .”
Heather ’ s no-nonsense style and her directness in communicating , makes her a popular trainer of Aged or Disability Care courses .
Without mincing words , she gives her students a complete picture of their clients ’ needs and that there are more than just physical and technical aspects to caring .
“ They have to know that while this is rewarding work , it can be very challenging and confronting at times .”
Michelle Rowland with college trainers and students .
Heather ’ s success as a lead trainer is echoed in the positive feedback received from Aged Care and Disability providers . A high percentage of students from the college gain employment as a result and it ’ s not uncommon for some to be offered jobs before they ’ ve even completed their course .
Along with employing some of the best trainers in the industry , Macquarie Community College has recently initiated SKILLS4You , a program that provides wraparound support services and improves employment readiness , capability , and work experience for migrant women .
If you are interested working in Aged or Disability Care call Macquarie Community College today on 1300 845 888 or visit www . macquarie . nsw . edu . au .
28 ISSUE 85 // JULY 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT