Tamworth Community College has announced it has partnered up with two leading universities to deliver options for credit towards university degrees.

Having noticed a need for a different approach towards university education in the area, the college has  secured formal articulation agreements with University of Newcastle and University of New England.

This means students who complete their Diploma of Leadership and Management can now kick- start their Bachelor Degree in Business or Commerce at the college.

“We’re aware that our community are really interested in local pathways to University which is why we have worked with University of Newcastle and University of New England to introduce our Pathway to University Program.” Executive Officer, Michelle Simpson said.

“Students who successfully complete the diploma will be awarded credit points towards their degree.”

“As a registered training organisation and community based not-for-profit, we are always looking for ways to increase training opportunities offered right here in Tamworth. This is a real advantage for local students who can now get a start on their University Degree without having to leave home.”

Mrs Simpson said the options meant that people who might not have had their opportunity to try tertiary education before now had a steppingstone to university at their fingertips.

“Part of the problem is a lot of parents and kids aren’t aware of all the alternative pathways they can take into employment,” Mrs Simpson said.

“It’s very hard to get the message out to there. Our response was we felt we needed to investigate pathways, alternate ways for people to get into university.”

Her comments follow moves by local education advocates to establish a university campus in the city, while a memorandum of understanding is to be signed between Newcastle University and Tamworth Regional Council in the near future.