Minister for Skills John Barilaro announced on Wednesday morning the state’s 10 TAFE institutes would become one overarching, multi-campus operation – part of “once-in-a-generation reforms” of the sector.

The change comes into effect immediately.

“There will be only one TAFE NSW, no more institutes, no more detachment, no more working in silos,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The barriers which currently exist between the institutes will be dismantled. 

“This action alone will reduce duplication, the number of administrative functions each institute has to manage and a streamlined, efficient and strong One TAFE will be created. 

“But my commitment to you, and that of this government is, where there are savings made by eliminating duplication in administration and back-office functions, that money will remain in the skills budget, to grow opportunities in training more young people in the future.”

The TAFE Illawarra Institute has 13 campuses, including at Bega.

“Where there is a TAFE today, there will be a TAFE in the future,” Mr Barilaro said. “TAFE is not leaving town.” 

Under the reforms, the government will also open 12 brand-new Connected Learning Centres next year, create a new TAFE Digital Education headquarters in regional NSW and reinvest any money from land or asset sales back into TAFE NSW.

Mr Barilaro stressed TAFE NSW was “not being privatised today [Wednesday] or in the future”.

It is unclear how many TAFE Illawarra jobs are affected.