The Minns Labor Government has delivered a $1.2 million upgrade to hair and beauty training facilities at Campbelltown TAFE college.
The boost comes as demand for specialist skills and training in South Western Sydney grows.
The upgrade means Campbelltown TAFE college now has expanded training offerings and will teach hair and beauty courses for the first time.
The funding has seen two generalist teaching spaces converted into specialist, adaptable classrooms, fitted with industry-standard tanning equipment, make-up bays, waxing tools, wash basins and cutting and styling tools.
Since the new facilities opened in July, some 95 hair and beauty students have enrolled at Campbelltown TAFE in courses including the new fee-free certificate 3 in makeup, certificate 2 in salon assistant, certificate 3 in beauty services and certificate 3 in nail technology.
“The new simulated beauty salon and multi-purpose learning space provides three new practical spaces for specialised training and will give students the edge they need to excel in their apprenticeships and career,’’ says Rebecca Hamilton, head teacher of beauty at TAFE NSW.
“Thanks to the new facilities we’ve been able to meet high local demand for our hair and beauty courses, with another class already added to accommodate interest in certificate 3 in makeup,’’ Ms Hamilton said.
After the Liberal National government spent 12 years cutting courses, sacking teachers and closing TAFE NSW campuses, the Minns Labor Government says it is committed to restoring TAFE NSW as the heart of vocational education in the state.
It says it’s now making the careful and necessary decisions to address the holes left in the budget by the Liberals to ensure funding for the essential services people rely on.
This includes committing to a floor of 70 per cent of its skills budget going to TAFE NSW.
The Minns Labor government is also conducting a comprehensive review of the vocational education system in NSW that has already begun consultation around the state.
“As South Western Sydney’s population goes from strength to strength, the demand for training skilled workers is continuing to grow,’’ says Prue Car, minister for skills, TAFE and tertiary education.
“It is wonderful to see students at this TAFE NSW campus learning on industry-standard hair and beauty teaching facilities.
“Students will also be able to learn their trade and gain hands-on experience in an environment just like a regular salon.
“This investment will ensure people who want to start their own business or work as beauticians, hairdressers, barbers and salon assistants can learn skills in their local area for years to come.”
