WA South Regional TAFE (SR TAFE) and Edith Cowan University (ECU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalises their commitment to work together to improve access to tertiary education and support regional workforce development.
The WA Government says the new agreement will help create stronger pathways between vocational education and university study for students in the South West.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen connections between vocational education and university study in regional Western Australia,” said WA Skills and TAFE Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“We want students to have flexible pathways that help them gain the skills and qualifications they need for rewarding careers.
“By bringing together two of the South West’s largest tertiary education providers, this collaboration will make it easier for people to move between TAFE and university and access new opportunities closer to home.”
The partnership will explore opportunities to:
- strengthen pathways between vocational education and higher education programs;
- increase collaboration between the two institutions;
- coordinate industry engagement activities;
- investigate shared use of facilities; and
- promote tertiary harmonisation initiatives across the South West.
The collaboration aligns with recommendations of the Australian Universities Accord, which encourages greater integration across Australia’s tertiary education system.
The model will promote integration in both directions between Vocational Education and Training and higher education, ensuring that both sectors contribute to State and national skills priority areas.
WA Tertiary and International Education Minister, Tony Buti said the partnership reflects the future direction of Australia’s tertiary education sector, where universities and vocational education providers work more closely together.
“The South West is well placed to pilot new approaches to tertiary harmonisation, helping create clearer pathways for students and stronger links between education providers and industry,” said Dr Buti.
“I commend South Regional TAFE and ECU for their leadership and commitment to improving opportunities for regional students.”
The partnership will also investigate the establishment of shared learning and engagement spaces at SR TAFE campuses in Bunbury, Margaret River, Harvey and Collie.
SR TAFE and ECU are co-located within the Bunbury Education Precinct.
