Partnership offers students more study and career opportunities

A new partnership being launched today between Deakin University and South West TAFE will create guaranteed pathways for students from diplomas into degrees.

The Pathways Partnership will allow students from across the south-west region and beyond greater access to quality higher education than ever before, providing them with the qualifications they need to forge rewarding careers.

The Pathways Partnership will be officially launched by Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander and South West TAFE CEO Mr Peter Heilbuth today at South West TAFE.

"The Pathways Partnership is part of Deakin's commitment to make quality tertiary education more accessible for all students in their own communities," Professor den Hollander said.

"It is our aim to provide seamless pathways from school through TAFE and on to university, and this partnership will help build the jobs of the future in the south-west region."

Mr Heilbuth stated that "South West TAFE is very proud to launch these guaranteed pathways with our partner, Deakin University. Together we are working hard to increase local education options for local people in our own communities."

Deakin and South West TAFE are offering, for the first time in the Great South Coast region, guaranteed entry pathways in a growing range of disciplines, subject to meeting reasonable entry standards.

"This gives students certainty in knowing that, subject to meeting reasonable stated entry requirements during TAFE study, they will receive guaranteed entry into a specified well-regarded university course," Professor den Hollander said.

It will initially cover disciplines including commerce, information technology, information systems, nursing, and early childhood education.  The list of pathways is expected to grow.

Professor den Hollander said the pathways partnership strengthened the strong relationship between the two local education providers.

"We know people tend to stay and work where they study, so it is imperative that we provide good pathways to a career here in the south-west region.

"We remain jointly passionate and committed to doing that and with three times as many regional Australians undertaking TAFE programs compared to their metropolitan counterparts, this Pathways Partnership is essential to the region's future."

Professor den Hollander said the Pathways Partnership would also benefit those who wanted a mix of vocational and higher education, along with school-leavers who were not ready for university studies, and needed a supportive transition from school to tertiary education via TAFE studies.

Mr Heilbuth agreed, noting that "we know that graduates from our Diploma programs do very well at University."

"By choosing a pathway that includes SW TAFE, students get the best of both worlds – they increase their chances of ultimate study success if they continue to complete their Bachelor degree, and they can also exit from the first year with a highly-regarded qualification if they don't continue."

The Pathways Partnership will also give students Credit for Prior Learning, shortening the length of their degree studies, and in doing so reduce the cost of a full university degree.

Also under development through the partnership is a scholarships pathway with links to industry, along with work integrated learning options and vacation employment connections, giving students the opportunity to earn while they learn.