A PARTNERSHIP between the region’s two largest educational institutions will give local students an alternative pathway to university.
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TAFE New England and the University of New England (UNE) have signed an agreement to provide a range of certificate IV and diploma-level courses, which, once complete, will give students a guaranteed position in a UNE course.
UNE pro-vice-chancellor Trevor Goldstone said the agreement provided a “meaningful pathway for students who have the potential to go further”.
“Initially, they may choose to do a certificate-level course at TAFE, and, if they find they enjoyed it and want to go further, they can then progress to a diploma level. They can also make the transition to university at UNE,” Mr Goldstone said.
“Their studies through TAFE will be recognised and accredited – so it provides a pathway from a certificate to a diploma to a university-level degree.”
Mr Goldstone said the pathway was a great opportunity for high school students who didn’t get the result they expected in the Higher School Certificate.
“When you finish that very stressful period of high school, you may not be sure of the direction you want to take and you may not have the score to make the leap into university,” he said.
“This process enables you to bite off what you can chew – instead of having the big ATAR score, they can demonstrate their capability through a pathway to finally qualify for university study.
“It puts the power in the hands of the students.”
TAFE New England director Peter Heilbuth said the agreement was a win-win situation for both institutions and an “important day” for the region.
“As the two biggest educational organisations in the region, it’s important that we work together and not compete,” Mr Heilbuth said.
“By working together we can provide many more options for the region’s students. This agreement gives them a guaranteed pathway into university – in some cases into the second year (of the university course).”
Mr Heilbuth said the study pathway options included accounting, agriculture, business, early childhood teaching, health, nursing and social work.
Mr Goldstone said it was open to everyone and would provide greater flexibility.
