Community College Northern Inland continues its tradition enriching lives and expanding the horizons of over 3300 people each year.
The college has opened its doors and is looking forward to a bumper year with the introduction of new programs and a new website and enrolment system that is giving students greater access to their training and better ways to communicate across campus.
Alison Heagney, Executive Officer of Community College Northern Inland which incorporates campuses in Barraba, Bingara, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri and Warialda is proud to offer a range of courses relevant to local industry and government funding to improve access for local learners.
“Many people ask me ‘what does the College do?’ Well, my answer is to work with people locally to learn the skills they need. Our difference is that we are local first and foremost and we offer the courses that are required; often at no charge via government funded programs. We are part of a state wide network but the College is owned and run by the local community. We employ local people and work closely with businesses and organisations to utilise facilities that are available to run our courses. This keeps our costs down and cycles the money in to local economy.”
“Local doesn’t mean low quality, we are a Nationally Registered Vocational Education and Training Provider (ASQA accredited) and therefore must meet the same stringent requirements of other providers such as private RTOs or TAFEs.”
“CCNI has developed strong industry networks and partnerships in our signature specialisations of aged care, disability services and community care, first aid, industry safety licensing, foundation skills for learning and business administration.”
Foundations Programs are just one of the ways the college is making sure that all community members have the opportunity to participate in education and training. “Run by highly experienced trainers, Foundations Programs are courses which are flagged specifically to enhance our community’s access to education and training opportunities. They may be courses which have no fee for enrolment, or may ask for a small donation for the training.
Other courses may be subsidised training in partnership between us and a government agency/department aiming to promote access and increase vocational education and training outcomes for a number of reasons.”
The College will host Orientation sessions in many of its Certificate-level courses this year along with ‘tasters’. Comprised of only a few units and run over a short time-frame, tasters enable students to evaluate a career path before completing an entire qualification.
Online study will be offered by the college for the first time using state-of-the-art online training and fun face-to-face workshops. Anyone interested in a career in administration can enrol in accredited business training covering a broad range of competencies that remain in demand across industries.
Eligible small businesses can take advantage of fee-free training for owners and staff. The college is offering a range of popular business courses in the Tech Savvy Small Business Program and is happy to talk to businesses about customised training.
Visit www.communitycollegeni.nsw.edu.au to see the full range of courses now open for enrolment.
With classes starting soon local program coordinators are available to provide information and help students register online. Talk to college staff about subsidies under Smart and Skilled.
