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Media Release
TAFE NSW Meadowbank | 1 July 2026
Industry Accelerator program connects teachers with industry
‘By getting teachers back into workplaces, this new initiative will help TAFE NSW to support, grow and retain world class teachers, bring the latest knowledge into the classroom and ensure students are learning the skills that work.’
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan
TAFE NSW today launched a return-to-industry initiative for its teachers to help ensure they remain at the forefront of industry practice, delivering world-class vocational education and training.
The new Industry Accelerator – Teachers to Industry Program supports TAFE NSW educators to gain practical experience with leading employers across the state. It aims to strengthen teachers’ expertise in priority skill areas, so they provide students with up-to-date, job-ready training that reflects real workplace conditions.
This initiative comes as demand for digital skills continues to grow, with the Australian Computer Society 2024 Digital Pulse report forecasting Australia will need 1.3 million technology workers by 2030.
With a successful pilot running that involves 34 advanced manufacturing teachers, the program has now progressed to full implementation. Today, 50 teachers from digital and finance disciplines began their professional development phase, before they complete industry immersion in a range of sectors. They will then share insights with TAFE NSW’s workforce to maximise the program’s impact.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said, “The Industry Accelerator – Teachers to Industry Program is exactly what the National Skills Agreement is all about – making sure we’ve got a strong VET workforce delivering high-quality, responsive training that keeps up with industry.”
“By getting teachers back into workplaces, this new initiative will help TAFE NSW to support, grow and retain world class teachers to bring the latest knowledge into the classroom. This ensures our students are learning the skills that work.”
The ‘AI Enabled Workforce and Digital Capability’ cohort covers high-demand capability areas across digital business, including artificial intelligence, data and digital intelligence, and cybersecurity.
TAFE NSW is collaborating with a broad range of industry leaders to host engagements with the teachers. Major organisations are already offering to participate in upskilling teachers and to support their understanding of unique ecosystems within the Australian commercial landscape. These include Adobe, Macquarie Technology Group, and OMRON Automation and Robotics.
By strengthening industry engagement, TAFE NSW will deepen relationships and create new opportunities that help it meet the evolving needs of employers and communities.
“Our teachers are already highly professional at what they do. They bring real-world experience into the classroom and know how to best engage and support students to succeed in their chosen careers,” said TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read.
“The Industry Accelerator – Teachers to Industry Program builds on that strength by reconnecting educators with industry to learn the latest practices, technologies and insights. Strong partnerships with business leaders are critical to its success, keeping TAFE NSW closely aligned with industry so the training our students receive reflects real workplace expectations.
“Together, we will ensure students are building skills that work for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Media contact: Sarah James, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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