VET pathways progress at UWS

Studying courses ranging from nursing to business to education, approximately 20 per cent of commencing UWS undergraduate students each year achieve entry on the basis of previous Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies.

With so many students in the region taking advantage of alternative pathways to university studies, robust relationships and effective partnerships with VET providers in Greater Western Sydney are vital to UWS. It is essential that we work together to contribute to the higher education learning experience and outcomes for local VET students.

For many years UWS has enjoyed positive and productive working relationships with the Western Sydney (WSI) and South Western Sydney (SWSi) Institutes of TAFE NSW, and the collaboration between the three partners was formalised in September when they came together to sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), signifying a positive step towards future successful collaborations.

These MoUs are not the only exciting new developments from the office of the UWS Tertiary Education Pathways and Partnerships Unit (formerly the UWS VET Relations team). November saw the launch of 'Let's Talk Uni', a seminar for VET students who applied to UWS for the 2014 academic year and designed to introduce and prepare students for university study. The seminar offered information and workshops to assist with understanding the differences between the VET and university learning environments and make future students more confident about commencing studies at university. 

One Let's Talk Uni participant said, "I would like to thank everyone involved who organised and ran this event. I am less nervous about uni now and hope I am accepted into UWS more than ever." It is hoped that this successful program will go on to become a yearly fixture for UWS.

The positive provider collaborations and work done in support of the commencing VET students is complemented by the many innovative and progressive new pathways arrangements that UWS is constantly working to establish. One particularly exciting new initiative comes thanks to a MoU recently signed by UWS, WSI and the Hotel Management Institute.

For some time WSI has been working closely with the Escarpment Group of Hotels in the Blue Mountains – which includes Lilianfels, Echoes Boutique, Hydro Majestic and Parklands – to establish a high-end tourism and hospitality training program comprising two Advanced Diploma qualifications in hospitality and events management. UWS has now come on board to offer graduates of this program the opportunity to continue their studies and complete a Bachelor of Business and Commerce at UWS, followed by a Master's degree in Business Administration.

Students who complete the entire package – working through WSI, the Hotel Management Institute and UWS pathways – have the potential to complete four qualifications over a four-year period. Thanks to this partnership, students can complete workplace training and education that will prepare them for working in high-end, luxury hotels. Australian students will also be offered the opportunity to undertake their paid work placement in the second year of the course at a luxury international hotel. Graduates of this prestigious program are sure to present as highly prized entrants into the competitive international hospitality industry.

If you'd like to know more about VET pathways and partnerships at UWS, please visit the UWS Tertiary Education Pathways and Partnerships webpage (opens in a new window).