Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

​​Wednesday, 9 November 2022​ The latest national data on apprentices and trainees shows the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record investment in skills continues to drive nation-leading results, with more than 115,000 apprentices and trainees in training across the State. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the recent National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) report shows NSW continues to lead the nation, with more apprentices and trainees th

​​Wednesday, 25 August 2021​ The NSW Government has announced an additional 3000 training places for people across NSW to skill up at home during lockdown. An extra 60 short courses are now on offer to study for free including business skills, mental health, marketing, finance and IT skillsets. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said there has never been a more crucial time to upskill or reskill through the pandemic. “The NSW Government is here to support the people of the

​​Friday, 20 August 2021​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, is encouraging locals to take advantage of new fee-free TAFE NSW courses to build their skills during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health, digital security, business administration and construction industry skill sets are just some of the 10 COVID rapid response courses on offer to people through the lockdown. Ms Cooke said the free training had come at the right time. “Training will be delivered through

​​Thursday, 5 August 2021​ The NSW Government is continuing to prioritise student wellbeing by ensuring a strong pipeline of qualified mental health professionals in our schools. The impacts of COVID-19, drought, flooding and bushfires have played out within our school communities, making mental health a key challenge facing young people across the state. Our Government is committed to supporting students through these challenges by providing over 80 scholarships this year

​​Friday, 16 July 2021​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed news of a TAFE NSW Young aged care course which has seen every student over the past four years secure work prior to graduation. “Every member of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at TAFE NSW Young since 2017 has been offered paid work at a local aged care facility after completing work placement,” Ms Cooke said. “It was great to meet Lisa Cooke who is one of the graduates of this cours

​​Friday, 2 July 2021​ TAFE NSW will expand access to local training opportunities with the installation of contemporary digitally enabled virtual teaching and learning spaces at campuses in Cootamundra, Cowra, Temora, and Young. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed this development for the local TAFE network. “This investment forms part of a $20 million initiative to build 200 high-tech, modern learning spaces to support virtual learning across TAFE NSW campuses

​​Friday, 20 September 2019​ Students living in social housing or who are in out-of-home care across the Cootamundra electorate are being encouraged to apply for a new round of scholarships worth $1,000 each, to help them achieve their education and training goals. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP said 800 scholarships are on offer across the state. “These scholarships support young people in our local schools and TAFE to achieve their education goals,” Ms Cooke said. “E

​​Monday, 8 July 2019​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging those considering a career in health and wellbeing to try the new TAFE NSW Health and Community Services short course. A forecast given by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, South East and Tablelands Regional Plan, predicts the health, wellbeing and community services sector will account for almost a fifth of employment in the southern half of NSW by 2021. “There is already strong demand for

​​Monday, 17 December 2018​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today presented a dedicated automotive apprentice with a scholarship to help her finish her training. Ms Cooke presented automotive apprentice Shannon D’Souza with a Bert Evans Scholarship from the NSW Government providing her with $15,000 over three years to help complete her apprenticeship. “Shannon is a well deserving recipient of this scholarship – she is a mother of two who knows that completing a trade and g

​​Friday, 10 August 2018​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Minister responsible for TAFE NSW Adam Marshall today officially turned the first sod at the site of the state-of-the-art Connected Learning Centre (CLC) in Grenfell. Ms Cooke said the new facility would boost TAFE NSW’s presence in Grenfell and enhance study options for local students. “The NSW Government is investing $4 million to provide students with the world-class learning facilities they need to study a

Monday, June 4 2018 Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is urging all diploma-qualified early childhood educators in Cootamundra to consider applying for a scholarship to boost their qualifications. Time is almost up to apply for the next round of the NSW Government’s Rural and Remote Early Childhood Education scholarships, closing on June 9 2018. Ms Cooke said these scholarships have already had an impact on services across Cootamundra and NSW. “Since this scholarship progra

​​Wednesday, 23 May 2018​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today welcomed new TAFE NSW Services Manager Matt Felvus to Cowra TAFE, saying the new recruit will help bolster vocational education and training delivery in the area. Mr Felvus, who started in the role in early April, is working with TAFE Services Coordinators across Mudgee, Cowra, Bathurst, Lithgow and Grenfell to deliver quality training and education opportunities. “Mr Felvus brings a wealth of experience in e

​​Monday, 14 May 2018​ Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced today Grenfell will have greater access to future-focused training, following TAFE NSW’s recent purchase of a property to construct a modern Connected Learning Centre (CLC). Ms Cooke said the property acquisition will enable Australia’s largest education and training provider to lodge a Development Application marking the first step in delivering a multi-million dollar CLC for the region. “The NSW Governmen

February 28, 2018 The NSW Government last week announced a partnership with Australia’s peak industry body for business events, Meetings and Events Australia (MEA), to support aspiring event managers living Cootamundra to get a head start in their career. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government and MEA will be offering a regional scholarship program with a Diploma of Event Management up for grabs across NSW. “Whether you are young or old, this is a fantast

February 8, 2018 Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the NSW Government announcement of Essential Energy appointing 37 new apprentices across the state, including the Cootamundra electorate. Minister for Energy and Utilities Don Harwin says the network operator is drawing on regional talent to solidify its future. “These new apprentices are joining an industry that provides an essential service to millions of people around the State,” Mr Harwin said. “They’ll pla

January 9, 2018 Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging Cootamundra electorate residents to visit their local TAFE NSW facilities during Enrolment Week next week to explore the range of study options on offer at TAFE NSW in 2018. Ms Cooke said TAFE NSW provided the perfect opportunity for people considering their post-school options, a career change or wishing to gain new skills to secure a promotion. “TAFE NSW offers more than 1200 courses in a range of critical ar

December 12, 2017 Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP has welcomed a NSW Government initiative which is offering free university degrees for budding young teachers. Ms Cooke said the NSW Government will fully fund the university degrees of 60 new teachers, paying their HECS debt if they accept a posting at one of more than 150 eligible rural public schools including Grenfell, Narrandera and West Wyalong. “Education is an absolute cornerstone of any society and I’m so please