VET in a multi-sector context: strengthening the Central Coast region

This paper [addresses] the theme of [vocational education and training] 'VET in context' by presenting a conceptual framework and case study of the Central Coast campuses in [New South Wales] NSW that combine community, secondary, further and higher education on the one campus at Ourimbah. The initial driver for establishing the Ourimbah campus was the need to provide a tertiary education precinct on the Central Coast, but this was expanded into a concept that would provide 'improved educational opportunities and maximum educational benefits for the people of the region' by incorporation of VET and community college partners on the same site, then by extending the partnership of the Gosford and Wyong TAFE campuses as part of a set of three campuses forming an educational community precinct and building strong synergies between courses and credentials through strong links to business and industry. The Central Coast region is characterised by an increasing population and economic growth but low education participation rates. The development of seamless pathways is one of the key policies and achievements of the campus, constructed on the basis of joint planning of programs and the development of articulation arrangements appropriate to the region, with just under 1,000 TAFE students gaining entry into the University of Newcastle in 2007. However, full engagement with the community has not yet occurred and this paper will present a number of key issues for discussion.