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Media Release
TAFE NSW | 17 April 2026
Stronger pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
‘This is our commitment to work side-by-side to create inclusive skills training pathways that strengthen communities, strengthen culture, and deliver real pathways to meaningful and long-term employment for Aboriginal people across NSW’
Chloe Read, TAFE NSW Managing Director
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG) and TAFE NSW have signed a landmark partnership to create clearer pathways to education and employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.
The new agreement commits both organisations to working in partnership with Aboriginal communities to design and deliver training that is culturally informed, locally driven and aligned with community aspirations.
By embedding Aboriginal voices, cultures and knowledge at the centre of decision making, the partnership aims to lift educational outcomes, support a strong Aboriginal workforce and strengthen long term employment prospects.
NSW AECG and TAFE NSW will collaborate to address key issues raised by communities, including skills development, the need for clearer and supported pathways into work, and the importance of community-led, place based models that empower Aboriginal learners to thrive.
Under the partnership, TAFE NSW and the NSW AECG will:
- Support Aboriginal students to achieve the same or better outcomes as all TAFE NSW students.
- Strengthen pathways into training, jobs and further study through place-based, culturally informed approaches.
- Ensure local community voices lead and guide how training is designed, developed and delivered.
- Build stronger connections between TAFE NSW, local AECGs, communities and partner organisations.
The partnership directly advances Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, committing both organisations to shared decision making and genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities. It also supports the National Skills Agreement by improving access to high quality training, boosting Aboriginal participation and success in education and employment, and building the skills needed for the future workforce.
NSW AECG President Ray Ingrey said as the peak advisory body for all matters relating to Aboriginal education and training in NSW, we are proud to capture the long-standing relationship we have with TAFE NSW through this formal Partnership Agreement.”
“We know training is a critical step for Aboriginal people to gain meaningful employment and our partnership with TAFE NSW will make certain we work together, ensuring our people are entering the workforce with the appropriate skills needed, no matter where you are in NSW”.
TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said the partnership is about creating a stronger, more inclusive training system that empowers Aboriginal students and communities.
“This is our commitment to work side-by-side to create inclusive skills training pathways that strengthen communities, strengthen culture, and deliver real pathways to meaningful and long-term employment for Aboriginal people across NSW.
“We want to ensure Aboriginal students are not only included but supported to lead and shape the future workforce across NSW. This partnership is about unlocking that leadership and creating real, long-term pathways into opportunity.”
Media contact: Kelly Lawler, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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