GippsTAFE will merge with Advance TAFE to become Federation Training in May ahead of a planned integration with Federation University in 2016.
The merger will see all six GippsTAFE and all eight Advance TAFE campuses across Gippsland come together under the new name, including GippsTAFE’s Warragul campus.
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There are plans to integrate the new body with Federation University, operator of the former Monash University Gippsland campus, in 2016.
Students presently at GippsTAFE and Advance TAFE will be able to complete their courses but will graduate with qualifications from Federation Training.
When Federation Training takes over on 1 May course offerings will be reviewed.
In a media release a spokesperson for the TAFEs said the integration with Federation Uni would be planned over coming years.
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The move was not a complete surprise – in December last year all three institutions announced they were talks about a potential alliance.
The Victorian Government will provide $40.2 million from its $200 million TAFE Structural Adjustment Fund to assist with the merger and subsequent integration with Federation Uni.
GippsTAFE chairman John Mitchell said in a media release the merger would allow the new TAFE to focus on vocational education and training (VET) courses based around Gippsland’s major industries, providing job security for students.
“Gippsland needs a post-secondary education model that encourages students to learn and secure long-term and rewarding employment in the industries where their skills are in demand,” Mr Mitchell said.
“GippsTAFE already benefits through a dual sector partnership with Federation University, which offers GippsTAFE students an opportunity to study degree courses in applied management, early childhood learning, engineering technology and sport management, as well as a master’s degree in leadership.”
The spokesperson for the TAFEs said the merger had been designed to cause minimal disruption to students.
A new board for Federation Training will be appointed by the Victorian Government.
