Education
Newcastle University
The University of Newcastle is a national and international leader in research. It is ranked in Australia's top 10 research universities and has particular strength in health, energy, the environment, science and engineering.
The University of Newcastle is also widely recognised for progressive teaching and learning, providing its 28,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students with the latest in contemporary teaching practices. Problem-based learning, first pioneered by the University some 30 years ago, forms the basis of programs in medicine, engineering, architecture, nursing and law.
The University is also a useful resource to assist business in the following areas:
- Research and innovation: add value to your business through the skills of University consultants
- Professional development: a range of training course are available
- Recruitment: target the students and graduates for your business
- Networking: as a global player, based in regional Australia, the University can offer a number of networking services
Hunter Institute of Technology (TAFE)
Across the Hunter, there are 12 TAFE institutions providing hundreds of specialised courses to more than 50,000 apprentices and students each year.
The Hunter Institute has centres for excellence in:
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Tourism and hospitality
- Automotive
- Horticultural, viticulture and wine making
- Mining
- Heavy vehicle transport
- Information technology
- Maritime industries
- Business
- Construction
- Environment
Workers Educational Association (WEA)
Workers Educational Association (WEA) has three locations in the Hunter which offer between 250 and 350 courses each term, including courses specialising in training for business, industry and workplace skills development.
The Vocational Institute of Australia
The Vocational Institute of Australia provides customised training for a diverse range of industries. The Institute specialises in short, online and accredited courses, including coal operations, occupational health and safety, project management, workplace safety, personal safety, mining safety and risk management.
Hunternet
Huntenet is a self-funded, not-for-profit cooperative of manufacturers, engineers, information technology providers, electrical and consulting companies. Together these companies foster innovation and training in order to develop and secure the manufacturing and engineering industry in our region.
Hunter Valley Training Company
The Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC) is one of this country’s leading group training companies. Located in Maitland, HVTC specialises in the provision of apprentices for the traditional trades in the Hunter region.
Currently a large number of apprentices work in mining, manufacturing and rail companies with training customised to suit the needs of an industry or a specific business.
Tocal College
Tocal College is situated in the picturesque Hunter Valley. It provides a unique blend of agricultural training and practical experience for school leavers and other people who may be interested in rewarding careers in agriculture.
Year 10, 11 or 12 school leavers gain a practical pathway to careers in agriculture or gain credit in a variety of university degrees. Tocal College also provides a diverse range of enducation products and services to farmers, landholders and rural industries. A key component of this is the delivery of PROfarm short courses.
Schools
There are more than 67,000 students enrolled in schools across the Hunter. They include:
- More than 200 Government primary schools
- More than 40 Government secondary schools
- More than 40 Catholic primary schools
- More than 13 Catholic secondary schools
- Nine independent primary and secondary schools
