By MICHELLE HERBISON
DEAKIN University and Gordon Institute of TAFE will join forces to establish a higher education facility in Melbourne’s west next year.
University Vice Chancellor Professor Jan den Hollander said Deakin West would deliver TAFE diplomas and higher education courses including Gordon pathway programs into university degrees.
“We plan to establish a facility that is stylish, engaging and meaningful to the local community to enhance awareness of Deakin’s programs, to build aspiration for and to offer higher education and pathways into the undergraduate programs that we offer at our two campuses in Geelong,” Prof den Hollander said.
Gordon chief officer Grant Sutherland said the two organisations were working with Wyndham City Council to decide locations and specific courses.
Prof den Hollander said the plan fitted Deakin’s five-year goal to grow enrolments at its two Geelong campuses.
“Through our new strategic plan launched last year, we have a commitment to transform the learning experience for students wherever they are physically, in their capacity to learn and in their career trajectory and life stage.
“The south-west of Melbourne is increasing its demand for higher education with a 30 per cent increase in students enrolling in university over the last two years and an anticipated population growth of 6.2 per cent per annum.”
Mr Sutherland said Gordon would also work with secondary schools at Wyndham Trade Training Centres in 2014.
The new partnership would increase Gordon TAFE’s revenue and enrolments to complement its Geelong operations, he said.
“The Wyndham region is undergoing massive growth and The Gordon believes its presence in partnership with Deakin University will ensure that the rapid increase in demand for skills and education is met. The Gordon has also experienced an increase in enrolments at our Geelong campuses from students travelling from Wyndham.”
Prof den Hollander said Deakin West would utilise advanced tele-working infrastructure including large interactive screens and audio visual facilities, as well as wireless rooms and workstations.
“Cloud-enabled higher education courses” would be available in business, commerce and early childhood education.
