HAVING been a former member and chairman of the board of Bendigo TAFE college, I have taken more than a passing interest in the recent media coverage of the various issues.
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It is true to say that the whole TAFE system has changed since those days. Nevertheless, I believe I am entitled to make some comments, particularly on the possible merger with the Kangan Institute.
During my time as chairman, the TAFE facilities at Echuca, Kerang, Castlemaine and Kyneton were merged with Bendigo, and there is no doubt that significant benefits came about for the students who lived in the smaller towns.
There is a parallel between that situation and that of today, as a merger with a large organisation such as the Kangan Institute, with its outstanding facilities, and based in the northern suburbs, would certainly do the same i.e. be of benefit to all of our students, both current and future.
An important issue to be faced by those who may feel disposed to raising objections to this possible merger is that there is a major difference between the TAFE system of today and the system as it was during my time. That difference is competition.
In those days we enjoyed a monopoly in vocational training, whereas nowadays by state governments of both persuasions have created an industry of private providers, with whom our TAFE college, and all the others in the state, need to compete for market share. Who can argue with that?
Readers would probably have realised by now that I strongly support the concept of a merger with Kangan, and I offer my congratulations to board chairwoman Margaret O’Rourke and CEO Peter Coyne for taking the initiative in their discussions with Kangan.
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