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Media release
TAFE NSW | 23 February 2026
New free TAFE NSW courses to upskill manufacturing employers
“More apprentices are needed to address the skills shortages in Australia’s manufacturing industry, and these free online courses are being offered to help employers overcome some of the challenges they’re facing in attracting and retaining the workers they need to be productive.
“The short courses will provide employers with practical strategies to support apprentices from a diverse range of backgrounds through completion of their training and into ongoing employment.”*
Steve Whan, New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
TAFE NSW is tackling the challenge many manufacturing employers face of attracting, supporting and retaining much needed apprentices by launching six fully subsidised online microskills.
This comes as the latest Better Manufacturing Apprenticeship Outcomes Report, by the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, shows that employers weren’t always aware of the free training on offer to better support them to effectively manage their apprentices.
These employer-focused courses provide practical training tailored to better support new and existing apprentices from diverse backgrounds such as women, young people, people with disability, non-English speaking backgrounds and First Nations people.
As a first-of-its-kind offering, the courses are delivered online through the TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence, making supporting apprentices easily accessible for employers across engineering, transport and renewable energy sectors.
Each microskill in the Supporting Your Manufacturing Apprentice suite provides practical strategies that employers can apply in their workplace, including how to support and mentor young apprentices, building cultural awareness and inclusive practices as well as the benefits of fostering a positive, safe work environment so apprentices grow, learn and succeed.
Plasser Australia’s Production Manager, Geoff Owen, recognises the critical role of apprentice employers.
“Apprentices are the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and as an employer, we play an important role in setting them up for workplace success.
“Free, accessible, online training is an easy way to equip employers with the skills and knowledge needed to help create a more inclusive, productive workplace, critical for attracting and retaining apprentices,” Geoff said.
In addition to the six employer-focused short courses, another two microskills have been launched for new and existing manufacturing workers and those looking to enter the industry:
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Literacy for Foundations in the Manufacturing Industry: learn the key skills needed for manufacturing roles, including how to read technical drawings and communicate effectively.
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Digital Essentials for Manufacturing: understand how digital tools and systems keep modern manufacturing moving, and the kinds of tools and platforms used in today’s workplaces.
The TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence are a joint initiative between the Australian Government and NSW Government under the National Skills Agreement.
Enrolments are now open for the six online microskills (self-paced short courses) and other microskills and microcredentials across robotic welding, digital technologies for manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing practices, renewable manufacturing, generative design and more, visit: Manufacturing Centres of Excellence: Skills Training at TAFE NSW | TAFE NSW
Media contact: Rachel Ecclestone, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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