Central Queensland University (CQU) and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQIT) have entered into a new partnership to leverage each other's strengths and increase their already close affiliation.

The two organisations have signed a ‘Joint Activity Agreement’ to provide a comprehensive range of educational opportunities to meet the needs and aspirations of Central Queenslanders.

Employment, Training and Industrial Relations Minister Tom Barton welcomed the signing of the agreement, adding it heralded a new era of tertiary education in Central Queensland.

“The agreement enhances the two organisations’ ability to develop programs that lead to both a TAFE qualification and a CQU qualification,” Mr Barton said.

“It’s great news for people looking for a tertiary education or looking to increase their skills and knowledge.” .

CQU Vice Chancellor and President Glenice Hancock said both institutions believed equally in the value of lifelong learning. “We're enhancing our already strong relationship to cooperate in new ways that will provide more higher education opportunities to more people in Central Queensland,” Professor Hancock said.

“We need to maximise, simplify and publicise the fact that high-quality advanced education is available for anyone at any age.”.

CQIT Director Bill Fry said there was a recognition between the two organisations that they could respond to the needs of the community better if they worked more closely.

“Collectively we will provide more options to help people explore their interests, achieve their careers goals, and get the qualifications they need to participate in the region's growth," Mr Fry said.

CQU and CQIT will collaborate to improve access to student places and programs available at the two institutions, investigate co-location and co-delivery opportunities at each institution and enhance articulation pathways and credit transfer agreements.

CQIT is a recognised leader in vocational education and training, being a multiple recipient of the state's highest achievement for training providers, the 'Large Training Provider of the Year', Queensland Training Awards.

CQU has already been rated among the best universities, according to the Good Universities Guide 2004, for its relationship with TAFE and the proportion of TAFE credits that can be applied to CQU studies.

Photo: CQU's Professor Glenice Hancock and CQIT's Bill Fry sign-off the new agreement.