Engineering Pathways for Regional Australia
Project Outcomes and Deliverables
In this project, HE providers and VET and industry partners will deliver a learning platform as a solution to the issue of supply and access to higher education in thin and dispersed HE markets. Key features of the learning platform are set out in Table 1.
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A shared understanding and documentation of units of equivalence across the partners and the guaranteed credit transfer across institutions so students can make informed choices about unit selection. |
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Recognised and formal pathways with a range of entry and exit points into not only Bachelor of Engineering (BE) programs for students wishing to pursue professional engineering[1], but also pathways to other courses as defined by industry skills needs.[2] |
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A prescribed list/combination of units in order to achieve accreditation by the industry body (Engineers Australia) and also allowing students the option of including alternative units if they do not wish to achieve accreditation. |
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A system which refers students to the appropriate home institution according to their unit selection. |
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An identification of gaps and what is required for students to access and continue with further study (this will be compared/mapped across the partners). |
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Compliance with the AQF, ASQA and professional body accreditation. [3] |
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In particular, the partners will examine the role of work integrated learning options, including cadetships with industry partners, recognising its importance for regional industry participation and student retention. |
Table 1: Features of the Learning Platform
The learning platform will support tailored and contextualised study programs and guided pathways which facilitate credit transfer compliant with both the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and accredited by Engineers Australia (where applicable). The programs and pathways will be recognised across institutions, enabling student choice of units across the partner providers. Associate Degrees will meet the occupational outcomes required by industry and EA accreditation, while maximising articulation outcomes into degree programs.
[1] Unit combinations will be prescribed for guaranteed entry into BE programs at the partner institutions.
[2] Preliminary work with industry reference groups in Tasmania indicates that skills in industrial technology and business/management are also critical for the resources and manufacturing sectors.
[3] For students wishing to articulate into a Bachelor of Engineering, the learning platform would inform prospective engineering students about the programs accredited by Engineers Australia.