Victorian University goes digital to deliver skills

Victoria University’s VU Polytechnic has bolstered its offering by transitioning to digital modes of delivery, and short sharp courses for its skills upgrading programmes.

The Polytechnic was one of the first to adjust modes of delivery, including remote delivery of education and training programmes, to support students and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent Victorian Government $260.8 million support package for TAFE, which includes dual sector universities such as VU, reinforced the importance of continuing education and training.

The support package will ensure VU Polytechnic remains available for the student community as well as industry, so that upskilling and reskilling is accessible for the jobs that will be needed once the impact of COVID19 has passed.

VU Polytechnic continues to provide access to a number of free TAFE courses, including early childhood education, trades, nursing and healthcare, which ensures that priority industries will have access to qualified professionals, essential healthcare workers and apprentices to support the recovery of Victoria’s healthcare system and its economy.

VU Polytechnic Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Pathways, Grant Dreher said that VU Polytechnic Sunshine Campus has established a Skills and Assessment Centre to enable continued delivery of vocational training that requires practical learning activities and assessments.

Dreher said: “Our educators are committed and passionate about ensuring our students progress and succeed. They have worked hard to develop and implement alternate methods for continued access to education.

“Students in these particular programmes will be able to safely attend campus-based practical learning and assessment in small groups, with strict social distancing and health and safety guidelines in place.”

VU will soon be launching an initiative that focuses on the required jobs and skills for the west of Melbourne with short, sharp skills acquisition through enhanced digital systems.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins said that VU’s powerful moral purpose of providing vocational and higher education that transforms the lives of students and the communities of Melbourne’s west is amplified in these challenging times.

Picture: vupolytechnic.edu.au

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