The college has opened its doors and is looking forward to a bumper year with the introduction of new programs, a new website and enrolment system which aim to give students greater access to their training and better ways to communicate across campus.

Alison Heagney, executive officer of CCNI, 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 learners.

Signature specialisations for CCNI include aged care, disability services and community care, first aid, industry safety licensing, foundation skills for learning and business administration.

The college runs a number of foundations programs in an effort to make education and training accessible to the whole community.  

“Run by highly experienced trainers, foundations programs are courses which are flagged specifically to enhance our community’s access to education and training opportunities,” Ms Heagney explained.

“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 also 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 online training and 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.

“Many people ask me ‘what does the college do?’ Well, my answer is to work with people locally to learn the skills they need,” Ms Heagney said. She said that CCNI is local first and foremost, and often offers courses with 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,” she said. Employing and working with local people and organisations, Ms Heagney said the college kept costs down and cycled money back into the 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,” she said.

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. Call 6721 3656 for more information.