Regional Unis should 'challenge elitism' and consider dual-sector shift
Published on 04 November, 2010
Regional universities should ‘challenge elitism' and consider amalgamation with the vocational education sector.
That's according to Professor Graham Pegg, who has experienced the potential of dual-sector campuses in the Northern Territory.
Having returned to CQUniversity at a time when the institution is ramping up to become dual-sector, Professor Pegg said there were multiple benefits for those prepared to amalgamate.
One major boon is the potential to consider articulation and vocational pathways when degrees are in the early development phase.
"This is an area where universities can learn from TAFE systems," he said.
"It may be a challenge for the elite view but we are in the business of preparing people for all dimensions of the workforce, which is in line with Federal Government goals.
‘We can also better integrate our university enabling programs in collaboration with TAFE."
Professor Pegg said the dual-sector concept could underpin equity, diversity and access, as it was more welcoming for Indigenous students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
"There are untapped opportunities for research too, as TAFE has many more students yet it's under-researched in terms of systems and outcomes."