RMIT University Introduces New Tertiary Education Model to Address Australia’s Skills Gap

By Neerav January 10, 2025
Alarm 2 Min Read
Copied
Featured

RMIT University has launched a groundbreaking tertiary education model aimed at tackling Australia’s critical skills shortage. The country anticipates needing hundreds of thousands of skilled workers over the next 20 years to sustain its economic growth, according to the university.

The initiative, announced by RMIT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Vocational Education and Vice President Mish Eastman, seeks to revolutionise the current education system. Eastman described this as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape Australia’s learning and teaching models. She emphasised the necessity of integrating vocational and higher education to provide adult learners with flexible education solutions that align with their work commitments.

RMIT’s innovative ‘Earn and Learn’ model is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. This approach combines Higher Education and Vocational Training, enabling students to acquire practical workplace skills while pursuing their qualifications. This model will allow students to work full-time with a partner employer, gaining real-world experience alongside their studies.

“The Earn and Learn model represents a significant departure from the traditional separation of knowledge and skills inherent in the current post-school education structure,” Eastman said. “By offering nationally recognised industry-based learning qualifications co-designed with industry, RMIT is directly responding to workforce needs, providing life-changing opportunities for students and tangible benefits for industry partners.”

The Earn and Learn programme will be implemented in RMIT’s five-year Mechanical Engineering pathway, starting in 2025. Students will spend the first two years in vocational training, earning an Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical), before transitioning to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) in STEM College, all while employed at an industry partner.

This initiative highlights RMIT’s commitment to addressing Australia’s workforce challenges and ensuring that its education system is equipped to meet future demands. The university’s model promises to upskill and reskill the workforce, improving participation and fostering stronger connections between education and industry.

Source: SHIKSHA

More Articles