Overview
The Western Institute is responsible for some of the most isolated areas in eastern Australia. Servicing more than half of New South Wales some 32.000 students are currently enlisted at this TAFE.
The rural settings of most of the campuses require flexible learning strategies, i.e. online or in the workplace. In addition to that Western Institute has adapted its course schedule according to the needs of the local economy.
Location
An area as enormous as this will naturally feature a great variety of landscapes. While campuses such as Bathurst or Lithgow are close to the mountains of the Great Dividing Range (and also not too far from Sydney), out west things change dramatically. As temperatures rise the country becomes increasingly flat and dry. 1160 kilometres west of Sydney, in the “true” outback, the old mining town of Broken Hill is situated.
Campuses
No less than 24 campuses are spread throughout the region covered by TAFE NSW Western Institute:
- Bathurst
- Bourke
- Brewarrina
- Broken Hill
- Cobar
- Condobolin
- Coonamble
- Cowra
- Dubbo
- Dunedoo
- Forbes
- Gilgandra
- Grenfell
- Lightning Ridge
- Lithgow
- Menindee
- Mudgee
- Nyngan
- Orange
- Parkes
- Walgett
- Warren
- Wellington
- Wilcannia
Major campuses such as Bathurst, Broken Hill and Orange are represented with a number of sites throughout the respective towns. All of the locations offer a wide range of supporting services as well as modern learning facilities.
Students
Each year Western Institute provides education for more than 32.000 students.
Main Program Areas
Western Institute’s wide selection of courses and training methods ensure equal learning opportunities for everyone. The faculties the students can choose from are the following:
- Aboriginal Education Training Unit
- Access & General Education
- Business, Arts & Information Technology
- Community Services, Health, Tourism & Recreation
- Equity
- Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction & Transport
- Primary Industries & Natural Resources
Entry Requirements
These may vary from course to course. In general, it is necessary to provide a school education that is the equivalent to the Australian years 10-12 with passes in English. Furthermore, enrolment at TAFE NSW requires a minimum level of English language skills (equivalent of IELTS academic version min. of 5.5).
Student Activities
The proximity to Sydney as well as the Blue Mountains opens the doors for numerous activities to students at the eastern campuses of this TAFE. The list runs from shopping and exploring the sites of the metropolis to quiet camping trips and hiking in the nearby national parks.
Further west the real outback life can be experienced. The old mining town of Broken Hill with its many historic buildings is a stop for the Indian Pacific train that crosses the continent. A ride on this great railway should not be missed.
