Victoria University (VU) Polytechnic has bolstered its offering by transitioning to adjusted modes of delivery, including remote delivery of education and training programs, to support students and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recent announcement from the Victorian Government of a $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 COVID-19 has passed.
VU Polytechnic continues to provide access to a number of free TAFE courses, including early childhood education, trades, nursing and healthcare. This 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.
“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,” said Mr Dreher.
“Students in these particular programs 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 responded quickly to the COVID-19 situation by successfully transitioning to remote and flexible delivery incorporating an increase in online learning. It 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.
“As we work together towards recovery from COVID-19, VU is committed to provide access to education and training to support our students, our staff and our communities. This is vitally important to help strengthen the future for the west,” he said.