ACT tertiary institutions investigate new ways to collaborate

CIT welcomes the recommendations provided by the ACT Tertiary Taskforce issued on Wednesday that will ensure the ACT's strong tertiary education sector can grow to have the best tertiary education system of any city in the world.

The report Learning Capital: an integrated tertiary education system for the ACT was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and CIT was an active and constructive participant in the consultation and taskforce committees.

The report calls for a more unified tertiary system in order to offer seamless transitions between local institutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for local, national and international students.

CIT's Chief Executive, Mr Adrian Marron, says the report outlines directions and challenges for the ACT post-school education system that if met will provide a strengthened, innovative sector  for the ACT.

"We are looking forward to working with the other tertiary institutions to deliver to the ACT a collaborative, connected experience for learners meeting the aim of establishing Canberra as the premier education hub within the region, the nation and around the globe," Mr Marron said.

The report recognises and supports the further development of synergies between the CIT and the University of Canberra, who have worked together as natural partners for a number of years and have traditionally collaborated on many programs, such as early childhood education and forensic science.

There is also a well established and extensive system of student learning pathways between CIT and the University of Canberra and other tertiary institutions.  These provide a platform to work together to investigate further and innovative ways to collaborate based on robust business planning.

"A closer collaborative relationship between the institutions should position them to provide high quality tertiary education for the future education needs in the ACT and the capital region, and also be principal drivers in the export of education from the ACT."

The report also recommends the establishment of an ACT Tertiary Education Steering Committee, the development of a tertiary education portal, the further promotion (nationally and internationally) of Canberra as Australia’s learning capital, and the growth of further partnerships between employers and education providers.

"CIT supports these recommendations and is particularly committed to building on the already strong partnerships we have with Canberra's schools, RTO's and tertiary institutions. We envisage an interconnected future where students can move seamlessly between all institutions," Mr Marron said.