Victoria University hopes to revitalise TAFE training in the west with the launch of Victoria Polytechnic.
University vocational education vice-president Grant Dreher, who will head the multi-campus Victoria Polytechnic following Tuesday’s launch, said a key aim was fostering relationships with industry.
“Over time, there will be a reshaping of the courses offered due to the decline of traditional industries,” he said.
“We won’t determine what we want to teach – industry and the needs of the students for skills will determine that.”
Mr Dreher said the rebadged TAFE division, 12 months in the making, showed VU’s commitment to skills training for the coming century. “The distinct courses at ‘VPoly’ will prepare students for the workplace and provide pathways to higher education programs if that’s where their ambitions lie.”
Vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins said TAFE had taken a hit in recent times due to factors including government reforms, training quality issues and changing markets for skilled jobs.
“Victoria Polytechnic is a bold enterprise that will build on the university’s foundation of providing opportunities and success for communities across the west,” he said.
Victoria Polytechnic will focus on delivering National Training Package qualifications and state-based programs from certificate I through to apprenticeships and traineeships, as well as diplomas and graduate certificates.
