SCONE'S new multi-million dollar TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre (CLC) will offer students access to a greater range of education and course options. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee joined Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen and the regional general manager for TAFE NSW's north region Susie George at the official opening on Thursday. The CLC, part of the state government's commitment to enhance TAFE in regional and rural NSW, will ensure pupils get the skills and jobs they want in their own community. Mr Johnsen said it was a great result - and would boost education and training opportunities across the region. "The new Scone Connected Learning Centre provides access to the latest learning technologies, personalised support services and specialist teachers both on and off-site to help students become job-ready," he explained. "Students in our region can study a range of new courses such as the Certificate IV in Ageing Support, a Statement in Barista Coffee Preparation and the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management - all offered locally for the first time." Mr Lee said the opening of the Scone CLC delivered on the NSW Government's commitment to creating a better TAFE system for students and teachers. "The NSW Government is investing in world-class, digitally-enabled Connected Learning Centres here in Scone and right across the state to equip students with the skills they need to get a job," he added. "This investment is a testament to the NSW Government's commitment to Scone and regional NSW. "It also opens up new educational opportunities for students in the area." Since being announced in 2016, the NSW Government has delivered 14 CLCs across the state, with a further eight to be delivered by March 2023. For more information on expanded course options or to enrol, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/clc