business
REACH Central Coast Leads Workforce Development Push Through Employer-Centric Talent Strategies
The organization highlights precision manufacturing and autonomous systems as key areas for regional growth while the NSW government backs training infrastructure.
How we reported this
The NSW government invested $5.88 million into Central Coast workforce development, including $629,280 to build a state-of-the-art training facility at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Precinct in Ourimbah.
This funding arrives as the Central Coast faces a major skills gap in aerospace, precision manufacturing, clean energy and technology. Insufficient degree, apprenticeship and certification programs limit the ability to meet rising industry demand. Local employers continue to seek workers with updated technical capabilities.
Strategy and local priorities align
The Central Coast Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030 places a skilled and adaptable workforce at the centre of its goals. It supports education and training pathways while noting visitor economy challenges such as lack of training and poor pay. REACH Central Coast advances a streamlined, employer-centric approach to talent aggregation that matches these priorities.
REACH Central Coast identifies precision manufacturing and autonomous systems as ripe opportunities for regional workforce growth. Its model focuses on connecting businesses directly with training providers to reduce mismatches between available skills and job requirements.
Summit highlights practical pathways
The 2025 Central Coast Skills Summit held on June 25 brought together industry leaders, educators and TAFE NSW. Participants examined future training pathways and ways to integrate students into local businesses. Discussions centred on building clearer routes from education into employment in high-demand sectors.
These efforts rely on coordinated action between government investment, strategy documents and organisations such as REACH Central Coast. Businesses seeking to participate can contact REACH Central Coast through its established channels or engage with TAFE NSW programs referenced at the summit. Updated details on training opportunities remain available via the Central Coast Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030 documentation.