A training partnership between TAFE NSW and Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta is producing a pipeline of skilled IT workers to support teachers do deliver online education

As part of the partnership, more than 65 information technology support trainees have been employed each year in schools across the Parramatta Diocese. The trainees are studying the Certificate III and IV in Networking at TAFE NSW Blacktown.

TAFE NSW Information Technology team leader, Gihan Ebaid, said “The mass-migration to working and learning from home is set to accelerate the need for skilled workers in the IT industry.

“TAFE NSW is committed to addressing skills requirements by providing employers with access to fee-free traineeship and apprenticeship training to equip employees with the skills that they need for their business,” Ms Ebaid said.

The 12-month traineeship will see the employees learn the hands-on IT skills that they need to provide network systems support including install, configure and secure office networks and how to provide ICT advice that maintains the ethics and privacy in an ICT environment.

Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Manager for Device and End User Services, Linda Pearsall, said schools were now well-equipped for online learning, particularly during events such as a global pandemic.

“We’ve seen the use of technology in our classrooms increase considerably over the last decade so it’s important we equip our schools with skilled IT support for teachers to enhance the learning experience of students,” Ms Pearsall said.

Executive Director of Schools, Greg Whitby, said the program provides the trainees with valuable hands-on experience using the latest technologies.

“This partnership with TAFE NSW will equip our IT departments in schools with the latest industry knowledge and skills to support an ever-changing IT landscape, while also providing on-the-job training and experience for trainees to solve real-world problems.”

Under a NSW Government fee-free training initiative, the government will pay the course cost for 70,000 new traineeships for businesses. Traineeships combine on-the-job training with a formal qualification that equips employees with the niche skills and experience that employers need, and provides a pathway to future employment and further study.

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner,