A major adult education and vocational training provider in the Hunter region is closing a key part of its operation, resulting in up to 21 job losses.
Training services to end by June 30
Atwea College, formerly known as WEA Hunter (Workers' Educational Association), will discontinue its training services programs by June 30. A college spokesperson confirmed that approximately 150 students are currently enrolled in these programs.
One student expressed surprise that the college allowed enrolments this year before deciding to cut courses. The teachers were not given any warning or indication that redundancies were coming.
"My teacher was very emotional and embarrassed that we were allowed to enrol, but only did one semester out of four. It was meant to be a year-long course," the student said.
Support for affected students
The college spokesperson assured that students would receive support to complete their qualifications at other training organisations in the region. "All student progress and completed training records will transfer to their new provider. Students will not need to repeat work they have already successfully completed," the spokesperson said.
However, the student told the Newcastle Herald she was disappointed her course was ending and doubted she would finish it. "Unless you want to go to TAFE, there's not really another option out there. The option of going to TAFE isn't feasible for me because it's not flexible enough," she said.
To assist students, the college will host an information day on June 9 to help them make informed decisions about where to continue their studies.
Staff impact and transition
The spokesperson said about 12 per cent of the college's workforce was employed in training services roles, comprising 21 staff in full-time, part-time, fixed-contract or casual positions. "We are working through the transition process with affected staff. Specific numbers will be confirmed once individual consultations are complete," the spokesperson added.
Atwea College is a not-for-profit, community-based education and training provider and a charity. An email to students stated that the Atwea board made the decision to close the training services division after a review considering the long-term sustainability of accredited training delivery and the changing vocational education environment.
Reasons for closure
The college spokesperson explained that the vocational education and training sector in Australia has experienced significant shifts in recent years, including changes to government funding models, increased compliance and regulatory requirements, and evolving industry needs. Maintaining the infrastructure, compliance frameworks and specialist expertise required for training services had become increasingly complex.
"Rather than dilute our resources across multiple areas, we've chosen to concentrate our investment where we have the greatest expertise. This decision is about strategic focus, not about the quality of work that our training services staff have delivered," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson acknowledged the dedication of the affected staff, saying they had served students and the community with commitment, and the college is committed to supporting them through the transition.
College operations and history
The college has its head office at Elermore Vale. Its operations include Alesco Secondary College and community learning programs, which will continue. Campuses are located at Newcastle West, Cooks Hill, Charlestown, Cessnock, Argenton, Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay and Tuncurry, along with online courses.
WEA Hunter was established more than 100 years ago to provide education to blue-collar workers and changed its name to Atwea College in April 2019. The training services division has delivered accredited training for over two decades, supporting hundreds of students to gain qualifications and employment outcomes.
The division provided programs for apprentices, trainees, school students and adult learners seeking career advancement or transition. Courses included certificates and diplomas in hospitality and retail, beauty and complementary health, community services such as ageing and disability, business, leadership and management, first aid, and technology skills for seniors.
