Today's employer expects their workforce to regularly build upon their qualifications and individuals seem more and more willing to change their career path multiple times...

This is where dual sector universities come into their own, according to recently appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Nik Babovic, who is leading CQUniversity's bid to be Queensland's first university to amalgamate with a vocational education provider.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Nik BabovicFresh out of the VET arena as the former Director of Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQIT), Mr Babovic understands all too well the benefits of dual sector for institutions, employers and students.

"A dual sector university has far greater flexibility to tailor qualifications to the specific needs of the employers in this region where work-ready motivated staff who are committed to staying in the region are highly in demand," Mr Babovic said.

"The resources and energy sector wants employees who are willing and able to grow with the industry and regularly upskill, so we need to provide the flexibility for students to do that. Dual sector will broaden accessibility to university and maximise ease and opportunities for students to take full advantage of the education/training spectrum."

Last year the University began amalgamation negotiations with CQIT, a move that has received support from the Education Minister, the Queensland Premier and industry and community groups.

CQUniversity's Pathways Coordinator Associate Professor Col Greensill said both the University and TAFE are committed to promoting and creating pathways for lifelong learning in this region and their amalgamation potentially has huge benefits for Central Queensland.

"Five Australian universities already operate as dual sector, but CQUniversity is keen to be the first in Queensland and CQ is set to benefit," Associate Professor Greensill said.

"The University intends to take the strong history and commitment to trades from CQIT and add to that streamlined pathways for students who want to continue or return at some point to add qualifications or head their career in a new direction.

"We envisage that there could be automatic entry for students from one course to the next, even where it jumps between VET to higher education. It will allow trade students to get automatic credit into complementary courses or even study them simultaneously so that you can be gaining your trade as an electrician, but also working towards a degree as an electrical engineer; or you can be working through your construction apprenticeship, but already be studying in the business degree that's going to get you on the road to being your own boss so much sooner."

Associate Professor Greensill said the new amalgamated University will mean greater flexibility in how courses can be offered, a stronger institution and the ability to truly help students to be what they want to be.