COVID-19
Professional development
VU Polytechnic pivots in delivery modes to support those studying education and care
Freya Lucas
Apr 29, 2020
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Those who are studying education and care qualifications with Victoria University’s VU Polytechnic have been supported with a transition 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.
With a recent announcement by the Victorian Government of a $260.8 million support package for TAFE providers, including dual sector universities such as VU, providers have been able to remain available for their student communities as well as supporting sectors such as education and care so that upskilling and reskilling is accessible for the jobs that will be needed once the impact of COVID-19 has passed.A number of free TAFE courses, including early childhood education, are available through VU Polytechnic, ensuring that workforce shortages will continue to be addressed throughout the pandemic, safeguarding the sector.
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.
Those who are engaged in delivering training for the provider are “committed and passionate” about ensuring students progress and succeed, having “worked hard to develop and implement alternate methods for continued access to education,” Mr Dreher said.
“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 and 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,” a spokesperson said.
The “powerful moral purpose” in providing vocational and higher education that has the potential to transform the lives of students and the communities of Melbourne’s west is amplified in these challenging times, Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins said.
“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 added.
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