Newman Senior Technical College officially opens its latest Sustainable and Future Industries precinct, replacing old buildings and aligning training facilities to address workforce gaps.
Newman College has always been a regional leader in vocational education & training; however, the completion of their recently completed building project marks a definitive commitment, aligning student training with the industries projected to drive Australia’s economy through to 2035.
Jobs and Skills Australia projects the Health Care and Social Assistance sector will grow 16.7% by 2033, becoming Australia’s largest employment sector. Australia will need 32,000 additional electricians by 2030 to meet clean energy targets, while demand for early childhood educators will grow by more than 20% over the next five years. Newman College’s training environments address these critical workforce shortages and are a timely investment in the region’s future families.
The new industry-standard teaching and learning spaces at Newman College feature:
- A dedicated Early Childhood Education & Care and Human Services classrooms modelled after real-world preschools and nursing wards.
- Specialised fit-out areas for Plumbing and Electrotechnology, supporting the technical skills training required for sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
- Simulated retail and business environments to train the next generation of business leaders in a sector that employs a significant portion of the Mid North Coast workforce.
Principal Mark Nunan emphasised that the build is about future-proofing students. “We constantly aim to improve our provisions to maintain and exceed industry and training standards,” Mr Nunan said. “With early childhood and aged care services and skilled trades identified as pillars of future employment, it is essential that we remain current. These facilities ensure our students are learning in environments that match – or exceed – what they will find in the workplace.”
“Funding has been provided via a NSW State Government grant, Diocese of Lismore Catholic School Limited and St Agnes’ Catholic Parish. The project was constructed in two stages to minimise disturbance to students and was completed in 2025.”
Newman College will host the Official Opening on Monday, 23rd February, with representatives from the NSW Government, St Agnes’ Parish, and Diocese of Lismore, St Agnes’ Parish Priest, Father Paul Gooley, will bless the new buildings.