TAFE SA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) to create higher quality and more efficient vocational education and training.
The MOU will see the two organisations collaborating though joint policy priorities, professional development initiatives and closer liaison for the scope of delivery offered by providers.
As part of the deal, independent training providers could be given more access to publicly owned resources and facilities, and vice versa. It also aims to improve coordination between TAFE and other providers on course offerings available to South Australian students.
The news follows the transfer of key TAFE assets from Renewal SA back to TAFE SA, as part of the South Australian Budget.
Education Minister, John Gardner, said the Government was focused on supporting TAFE to become more competitive as a training provider.
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“The SA Government is committed to supporting the strategic direction for TAFE SA to become an effective, sustainable public provider offering choice and high-quality training,” Gardner said.
“South Australian students and employers are the biggest winners from this announcement, which will see both organisations strive to better coordinate course offerings and ensure the needs of industry across the state are being met.
“This agreement is an important step that ensures government and industry are working together to deliver the workforce South Australia needs in the future.”
TAFE SA Chief Executive, David Coltman, said that a closer relationship would ensure that local education and training needs are being met.
“This formal agreement will ensure TAFE SA establishes and maintains a close working relationship with independent providers. This is critical to ensure that together we are meeting the state’s future skill requirements,” Coltman said.
“Education providers in South Australia are now working together in new and different ways. TAFE SA will contribute by providing access to our campuses for other training providers and businesses, sharing professional development opportunities and making sure that the right training for future needs of industry is being provided.”
ITECA’s Chair, Alexis Watt, has welcomed the new agreement.
“This MOU opens the doors to a wide range of collaborative partnerships for the benefit of students, employers and the wider community,” Watt said.