Charles Darwin University launches CDU TAFE, renews focus on skills

Charles Darwin University is moving away from its old vocational educational model and is launching CDU TAFE. Here’s what makes the shift critical.

Charles Darwin University is isolating its vocational education stream from degree learning to offer students more effective learning pathways.

Vice-chancellor professor Scott Bowman said the launch of CDU TAFE was important “bceause vocational and degree education are so different”.

“If you go back to when this university was first formed – the Northern Territory University – I think they got it right,” he said.

“They had a TAFE within the university, and over the years, we’ve drifted away from that.

“We’re now back, so it’s back to the future, as it often is in universities.”

Dr Bowman said the university was already reaping the benefits of the split, with student numbers “through the roof”.

There are 3421 students currently enrolled in CDU TAFE, 1100 more than the same period last year.

Charles Darwin University vice-chancellor professor Scott Bowman said the university was renewing its focus on vocational education. Picture: Adnan Reza

Dr Bowman said he hoped to embed vocational coursework into degree education where necessary.

“The great thing about vocational education is it’s all about skills, and I think we need to look at that for every student,” he said.

“If you’re doing engineering, what about a welding course? If you’re doing an arts degree or theatre degree, why not learn about makeup or even how to build scenery?”

CDU TAFE pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Michael Hamilton looks forward to working with the new tertiary institution. Picture: Adnan Reza

CDU TAFE pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Michael Hamilton said the new institution was an exciting opportunity for the Northern Territory.

“It is no secret that workforce limitations have impacted the Territory’s growth and CDU TAFE will provide a boom for future training to help better meet the needs of industry, employers and regional and remote communities,” he said.

“At CDU TAFE we look forward to developing more courses to make the most of the opportunities to build a highly-skilled workforce in the Territory.”

As the institution opens its doors to students, Mr Hamilton said three new courses would be available – a certificate IV in cyber management, certificate III in aviation (remote pilot) and a short course webdev client-side scripting.

Business Jobs, and Training Minister Paul Kirby said CDU TAFE would provide opportunities for those looking to expand their skill set. Picture: Adnan Reza

Business, Jobs, and Training Minister Paul Kirby said CDU TAFE would be critical to diversifying the NT’s workforce.

“CDU TAFE will allow Territory VET students, trainees and apprentices to focus their energy and learning onto specific trades, to ensure their time in the classroom best prepares them for their time on the site,” he said.

“The establishment of CDU TAFE will provide more opportunities for those wanting to further their training here and will make the Territory a more attractive option to develop skills and to join a strong and robust workforce.”