Uni prepares for influx of students
Federation University Australia is preparing for an expected surge in student numbers at its Wimmera Campus in response to the State Government’s free TAFE course program.
The university has been fielding queries about tertiary education opportunities at the campus and is working to build its teaching staff numbers to meet demand.
Wimmera Campus head Associate Professor Geoffrey Lord said public interest in Free TAFE for Priority Courses had prompted a need for the university to expand education services in the region.
“Depending on the recruitment of teachers, we hope to expand our teaching staff by up to six positions in Free TAFE at Horsham. Classes will commence when teachers are in place,” he said.
“We’re unsure about what the overall increase in student numbers will be at this stage, but the campus is well equipped for it and welcomes new students keen to make the most of this opportunity.”
The government introduced the Free TAFE for Priority Courses program earlier this year to reduce the financial barrier for students wanting to train in courses leading to high-demand jobs.
The scheme includes 30 priority non-apprentice courses and 20 Victorian apprenticeship pathway courses.
Free TAFE courses available at Federation University Australia’s Wimmera Campus in Horsham are: Diploma of Nursing, Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Certificate III in Community Services, Certificates II and III in Horticulture, Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation, Certificate II in Electrotechnology and Certificate II in Salon Assistant.
This is on top of other TAFE programs as well as Bachelor courses in Social Sciences, Business and Masters programs and PHD Research.
Business as usual
Associate Professor Lord said Feduni had been busy assessing the implications of the free course program and planning how best to develop the Wimmera Campus.
“We’re not changing from a path we’ve been on for several years. The free TAFE courses simply represent a targeted expansion of what we already offer,” he said.
“Feduni, through its campus in Horsham, continues to provide a range of tertiary courses in support of the workforce needs of the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.
“Both Technical and Further Education – TAFE – and undergraduate, post-graduate as well as Doctor of Philosophy – PHD – in health, community services, business, education and arts fields are available from Horsham.
“TAFE courses range broadly and include automotive, electrotechnology, health, hair and beauty, plumbing, digital media, transition education, workforce pathways and individual support.
“And there are plans for more offerings through the free TAFE initiative.”
Mr Lord said the university recognised an agricultural and trades focus in the region and worked closely with individuals, business, industry and government agencies ‘at all levels’.
“We design and provide courses that support community and industry workforce needs locally and regionally for local people,” he said.
Mr Lord said 68 percent of employed bachelor-level Feduni graduates and 63 percent of employed postgraduate-level Feduni graduates worked in regional areas.