TAFE Connects is TAFE NSW’s flagship annual engagement initiative, designed to elevate community voices and codesign solutions that respond to local aspirations. Through this program, TAFE NSW demonstrates its commitment to listening, collaborating, and shaping education and training that reflects the needs of the people and communities it serves.
The initiative combines a six-week statewide digital survey with face-to-face community workshops, providing a powerful platform to gather insights into community needs and priorities. The 2024 pilot program established the model, while in 2025 participation surged by more than 180%. This growth resulted in 4,919 responses and stories captured across NSW, offering a rich evidence base to inform strategic planning and decision-making. The program also aligns strongly with the recommendations of the NSW VET Review, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of vocational education and training in the state.
In 2025, community workshops were delivered in 56 locations, drawing 960 community leaders from diverse sectors. These sessions fostered collaboration and dialogue, enabling local stakeholders to influence educational, social, and economic outcomes. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 94% of participants indicating they would recommend involvement in future engagement activities.
TAFE Connects demonstrates the impact of best-practice engagement in strengthening trust, enhancing TAFE NSW’s reputation, and building advocacy for the vocational education sector. By actively embedding community perspectives into its planning, TAFE NSW is positioning itself as a proactive, community-driven leader that is responsive to the changing needs of learners, employers, and communities across NSW.
This presentation will share the journey of TAFE Connects, highlight lessons learned, and showcase how the initiative is shaping a new standard for sector-wide engagement in vocational education.