A course run by TAFE NSW Mt Druitt introducing participants to precision machining is being hailed as a success, having achieved an 90% employment rate with local Western Sydney manufacturing companies who supply a range of precision manufacturing parts including for satellites, medical devices and defence aircraft.

Machine manufacturing is booming in Australia, the Government’s Labour Market Insights showing a projected increase of 10% of jobs to 2026.  Despite this, awareness of the opportunities available was not as high as demand. The Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) -  the peak national body in Australia representing the precision engineering and advanced manufacturing sector – set about bringing together industry and training experts to create solutions.

“The role of the program, called Skill Up and Placement Program (SUPP), is simple.  In NSW, AMTIL approached TAFE NSW to pilot a course for people looking to explore new career paths and give them insight, training and support to become a computerised machine operator,” said Greg Chalker, Corporate Services Manager for AMTIL.

“Once the participants see what they can do, they are excited by the opportunity,” he said.

Former Head Chef and proud indigenous man, Trevor Turner from Cartwright, gained a new role from the course.  

“I was looking for a change after being a chef for the last 18 years and even though this is the longest time I’ve been in a classroom, I took notes and did my best.  The teachers were very helpful and gave me practical skills and the confidence to ask questions.  Now in my new job I feel valued and I value them,” he said.

“My confidence has gone through the roof, I can’t thank the TAFE NSW staff enough. I would tell anyone that gets an opportunity like this to give it a big go,” he said.

TAFE NSW developed the course based on industry input and training expertise.

“We were excited to be part of this pilot, to help these students get a foot in the door, demonstrate how much these practical skills students could learn in our environment and to show the capabilities of our recent investment in a precision CNC lathe and the high-end computers needed to run the programs,” said Peter Kelly, Head Teacher of Engineering Trades at TAFE NSW Mt Druitt.

The SUPP course was run in partnership between AMTIL and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and funded by the Australian Government through the Launch into Work program.

Media contact: Melanie Pope, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, melanie.pope@tafensw.edu.au, 0400 074 007.