The TAFE NSW Digital Headquarters opened in Armidale by MP Adam Marshall

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the hub establishes Armidale as an emerging leader in new technology.

“The work that’s done here in virtual reality, augmented reality and robotics is really critical to what TAFE does across the state,” Mr Marshall said.

“But, it will also mean that we have the skills, courses and latest in emerging technologies.”

The TAFE Digital Headquarters is a $3.6 million development.

The typical TAFE student in the region is a 32-year-old female with children that works full or part-time.

It’s what Mr Marshall expects will make the online, flexible learning model so attractive.

The Digital Headquarters will be crucial to developing courses and content for the Connected Learning Centres. 

Students in Glen Innes and Tenterfield can learn practical welding skills on virtual reality before completing a test face-to-face.

TAFE NSW managing director Jon Black said it will open opportunities for rural and regional students.

“Those students can be afforded the same opportunities as those in major metropolitan areas,” Mr Black said.

“Students today need an opportunity to learn when, where and how they want.

“It’s a step on our journey to the modernisation of TAFE NSW as we reconfigure the organisation to fit industry and business needs.”

Armidale was chosen for the Digital Headquarters because of the fibre to the premises NBN connection and its central location to other regional towns.

The hub will bring more than 40 permanent jobs to town.

Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray watched as MP Adam Marshall cut the ribbon via virtual reality.

“If we can give people in rural and regional towns skills in welding for example in a virtual sense – they can then come here and put that into practice,” Cr Murray said.

“Learning new trade skills quickly is the benefit of this.”