University of Canberra (UC) Vice-Chancellor and President Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten today announced that the University would welcome the opportunity to explore how UC and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) could work more closely together in the future, including deeper forms of collaboration.
“This idea has been discussed in the past, and in many respects represents unfinished business. The current circumstances have made it both timely and compelling to revisit how UC and CIT could be better together. I genuinely believe that it is in the best interests of students, staff and the Canberra community,” said Professor Shorten.
Tertiary Harmonisation is a key growth pillar of the University’s Reconnected Plan, focused on creating more seamless pathways into UC through stronger partnerships across the post-school education sector and increased recognition of prior learning. This priority aligns with the Universities Accord and the Commonwealth Government’s and ATEC’s emphasis on closer integration between vocational and higher education, supporting more seamless learner pathways.
UC has a strong track record of working with vocational education partners to improve pathways to study including long-standing partnerships with CIT and TAFE Queensland.
“UC and CIT each play important and distinct roles in Canberra’s education landscape. Canberrans should have confidence that both organisations remain focused on delivering strong educational outcomes and value for the community,” Professor Shorten said.
UC would welcome the opportunity to engage in discussions that deliver the greatest benefit for students, staff, the ACT community and the region’s future workforce needs.
“This is an opportunity worth exploring. To understand how a connected ACT post-school education system could better serve students, staff, employers, and the economy. We should look at the potential for a seamless integration between vocational and higher education and how it could contribute to lifelong learning, industry and workforce needs, and more opportunities for Canberrans to learn, grow, thrive and succeed.”
Across Australia, dual-sector institutions demonstrate the value of integrating vocational and higher education pathways. These models support student success, improve access to education and help meet workforce and productivity needs.
“A harmonised ACT post-school education system would create a student-centric education ecosystem, help build the workforce, increase productivity and support further economic growth,” Professor Shorten said.
“The future of post-school education is not a choice between vocational or higher education. It is a connected and harmonised system that enables learners to move seamlessly between both.”
A closer alignment between UC and CIT has the potential to create simpler and more accessible pathways for students across the ACT and regional NSW, provide expanded collaboration opportunities for staff at both institutions, without compromising their individual identities.
“For students, this could expand opportunities and strengthen educational access across Canberra and the wider region,” Professor Shorten said.
“It could also create opportunities to simplify systems and processes, allowing both institutions to focus more of their resources on what benefits students and community such as teaching, research and workforce development.”
Professor Shorten reiterated the improvements being realised at UC, which include improved financial performance with a clear focus on long-term financial sustainability, operational discipline and delivering positive outcomes for students, staff and the broader community. The University has also seen pleasing student enrolment growth, improved student satisfaction and a renewed focus on accessibility and student engagement.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“This is an idea we should explore.
“We need to break down the artificial barrier between TAFE and uni.
“Closer collaboration could make it easier for students to get the qualifications they need and help build the workforce Canberra needs.”