TAFE

[catsnknots]

The QLD government and CQU have signed a deal that merges the two to make the States first Dual Sector University. 

I think that is fantastic and maybe TAFE can be better utilised, staffed and funded. 

Good on the LNP Government and John-Paul Langbroek for helping to improve our education system. 

[izabsmiling]

Hi Cat, how far (distance wise ) will that be for some to travel? Teens can study at TAFE at  the age of 14/15yrs 

[catsnknots]

well it really depends on where you live. We have TAFE in most major towns. 

mine is 10km but lots of kids need to travel hundreds of km's to get to a TAFE that does plumbing for example... I am hoping that this can bring back those sort of courses to their local communities and they won't need to travel. 

I will be watching this closely. 

[lakeland27]

its another inventive newman tacic to cut education costs.

[cherry*135]

They won't be offering, for example, plumbing in every little TAFE. The only result will probably be cutting adminstration costs ( which wont be passed on to students re reduction in fees). Probably bad news for TAFE Teachers too...regarding loss of jobs and only getting part time work instead of full time.

[izabsmiling]

---

@catmad*2013 wrote:

well it really depends on where you live. We have TAFE in most major towns. 

mine is 10km but lots of kids need to travel hundreds of km's to get to a TAFE that does plumbing for example... I am hoping that this can bring back those sort of courses to their local communities and they won't need to travel. 

I will be watching this closely. 

---

OK. For some reason I was thinking  that you only recently posted that there wasn't one in your area as it was too small ? a number of QLD TAFE's have closed/been sold off haven't they ? 

This merger has been in the pipework so to speak for a while by the look of it hasn't it ? Is it new news ?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-11/government-backs-university-tafe-merger/2834782

Government backs university, TAFE merger

Paul Robinson

Posted Thursday 11 August 2011

The State Government has approved an amalgamation of CQ University and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.

Premier Anna Bligh says the merger remains subject to the Federal Government agreeing to $70 million in funding.

Ms Bligh says the amalgamation is a first for Queensland and others across the state may follow.

CQU, TAFE to get $30m for merger

•  11th Sep 2012 1:36 PM
 
•  Updated: 12th Sep 2012 7:11 AM

THE Mackay CQUniversity and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE campuses are set to benefit from almost $30 million in funding, thanks to a proposed merger.

The merger, part of the Commonwealth Government's $73.8  million dual sector funding offer, has received in-principle support from Premier Campbell Newman.

"Approximately $16 million will go to the construction of a new engineering laboratory in Mackay which allow the delivery of a full engineering degree in Mackay and will strengthen CQUniversity's engineering and mining programs," CQUniversity vice-chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said.

"About $12 million will go to a major modernisation and refurbishment of the current Mackay TAFE city campus.

read more :http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/the-merger-of-cquniversity-and-the-central-queensl/1539947/

[izabsmiling]

The future of TAFE campuses

Date November 30, 2012

Campuses currently on the market to remain for sale

• Chelmer
• Garbutt (under contract)
• Townsville City
• Ipswich City
• Bolsover Street (Rockhampton)

Three campuses not being used by students and no longer fit for purpose

• Cordelia Street South Brisbane
• Mareeba Farm
• Springwood

Five vacant campuses including two parcels of vacant land

• North Lakes (vacant land)
• Cleveland (vacant land)
• Manning Street South Brisbane
• Bundaberg Marine
• Windsor Road, Nambour

Twelve campuses to be transferred as part of the merger of Central Queensland Institute of TAFE and Central Queensland University merger

• Biloela
• Canning Street Rockhampton
• Clermont
• Emerald
• Gladstone
• Mackay City
• Yeppoon
• Barcaldine
• Blackwater
• Boyne Island
• Moranbah
• Ooralea Mackay Trade Training Centre

All other operating TAFE Queensland campuses will be open for business in 2013.

Source: Queensland government.

AAP

[the_great_she_elephant]

I hope it delivers all it promises. Mr Elephant worked as a TAFE lecturer in WA for over 30 years,before taking early retirement in 1997. He became very disillusioned towards the end.  The system had become top heavy with administrative staff, teacher. training had become a thing of the past  - tradesmen were being recruited 'off the street' dumped in front of classes and left to sink or swim trade training was being farmed out to private enterprise wherever possible and lecturers were being actively encouraged to close down classes that 'weren't paying for themselves.' The pay rise they received just before he pulled the pin came with conditions that pretty well doubled their workload. 

I really do hope this new arrangement in Queensland  succeeds, Cat, I'm still a big fan of the TAFE concept, but going on our experience I would say idon't hold your breath. No matter what side of government authorises it 'restructuring' isseldom about improving standards, but  a weasel word for moneysaving cutbacks. 

[cherry*135]

Much the same here in NSW, she ele... they stopped taking teachers on a permanent bais, only as part-time/casuals.. not the best way to attract and retain quality staff. I had some shocking teachers when I was there a few years back ( at a smaller TAFE, the next closest one in the city wasn't so bad).

[spotweldersfriend]

Written and spoken by catmad for the liberal party.