TAFE new England  beat Tamworth and four other regional cities to become the state’s new Digital headquarters.

Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals leader, John Barilaro announced the state-of-the-art facility would open in April.

“The amount of students taking up online learning with TAFE NSW continues to increase and we are focusing our resources on meeting the demands of students across the state,” said Mr Barilaro.

The announcement is part of a “one-in-a-generation” change to TAFE’s structure with Mr Barilaro labeling the organisation as “top heavy”.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has pushed the government to locate the digital campus in Armidale.

“This is massive for the city,” he said.

“TAFE NSW Digital will put Armidale on the map as a leader in innovative education, nationally.

“Armidale will become a central edu-tech hub with streamlined course content for students, innovative and compatible opportunities for local Industries, and local partnerships with businesses in the region.

“TAFE Digital will develop digital content which will be shared throughout TAFE NSW, and is a vital regional initiative for Armidale and the New England area, creating up to 40 local jobs.”

“I am also pleased to announce that Megan Aitken has been appointed General Manager of TAFE NSW Digital Headquarters and I am confident she will drive the future of TAFE in Armidale, ensuring students have what they need to skill up and enter the workforce.”

The government has said job losses would be part of the overhaul and Mr Barilaro confirmed on Tuesday that he could not rule out closing other campuses in the region,

“I'm not ruling anything in or out,” he said.