The TUC CROWD Initiative aims to tackle immediate workforce shortages while building a sustainable, skilled future workforce across the MidCoast LGA.
By linking regional universities, local employers, and community members, the project creates pathways, cultural orientation, and relocation support that enable people to go further, close to home.
Project Timing: 2025 to 2027
Short Term Workforce Growth: expanding the Community Connector Program to recruit, settle, and retain skilled workers in industries of need.
Longer Term Workforce Development: focusing on outreach to Year 8‑12 students in our region via a Regional Higher‑Education Facilitator role, to guide them toward university and vocational pathways. This is also about increasing capacity and confidence, helping them to envisage a thriving career for themselves close to home.
University Pathways Outside ATAR: increasing awareness of, and engagement in alternate higher education pathways. We want aspiring students of all ages to know that University is achievable and supported locally.
Local Cultural Orientation for Workforce: delivering cultural orientation programs led by local First Nations leaders. This will strengthen the connection to community and country, for both new and long standing MidCoast residents.
The project aims to:
Increase community connections, helping relocated families feel more at home and encouraging long-term residence in the MidCoast region.
Strengthen cultural understanding and respect to foster greater community cohesion and inclusion.
These outcomes build capacity for a more connected, resilient, and supportive community.
By boosting student retention and aspirations, as well as confidence in accessing career programs, the project will contribute to a more skilled local workforce over the medium and long term.
Increased exposure to local employment opportunities and higher course enrolments at institutions such as TUC, TAFE and universities will prepare participants for future careers and improve regional education outcomes.
With improved workforce participation and growing skill levels, businesses will benefit from greater efficiency, innovation, and confidence.
This, in turn, will support broader regional economic development and enhance the MidCoast’s profile as a location of choice for business investment and professional growth.
Community Connector
Leads the model to recruit, settle and retain skilled workers. This includes arranging housing, schooling and social integration, and providing ongoing support to ensure they remain as long-term residents in the MidCoast.
Cultural Connector
Designs, delivers, and oversees an Aboriginal‑led Cultural Orientation Program and community outings, fostering inclusivity and cultural competence for students, businesses and new residents.
Regional Higher‑Education Facilitator
Works with local high schools to inspire Year 8‑10 students, as well as guide Year 11‑12 learners toward university or vocational pathways, building a pipeline of skilled local talent.
Research, Evaluation & Project Manager
Monitors program performance, conducts impact assessments, and reports outcomes to funders and stakeholders, ensuring evidence‑based adaptability of the CROWD initiative.
Academic Support for University‑Access
Provides face‑to‑face academic coaching for Year 12 students enrolled in university‑access courses, boosting completion rates and confidence for non‑ATAR entry into over 70 degree programs.
Simply enter your details in the form below and a member of the TUC team will be in touch soon:
This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government – Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program (REDCIP). The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NSW Government.
