For the better ... but not at its Wonthaggi campus. By Maddy Harford
AFTER delivering nationally accredited TAFE certificate courses at its Wonthaggi campus for 20-odd years, Chisholm Institute of TAFE, like other providers of education and training, shifted to online delivery with the advent of COVID.
However, unlike other providers, Chisholm failed to resume face-to-face classes at the Wonthaggi campus once lockdowns were a thing of the past. The campus – on the corner of White and South Dudley Roads – comprises well-designed, up-to-date learning spaces, all of which have been gathering dust ever since.
AFTER delivering nationally accredited TAFE certificate courses at its Wonthaggi campus for 20-odd years, Chisholm Institute of TAFE, like other providers of education and training, shifted to online delivery with the advent of COVID.
However, unlike other providers, Chisholm failed to resume face-to-face classes at the Wonthaggi campus once lockdowns were a thing of the past. The campus – on the corner of White and South Dudley Roads – comprises well-designed, up-to-date learning spaces, all of which have been gathering dust ever since.
If you are a local Bass Coast resident and you want to enroll in a Chisholm course, online is your only option unless you want to travel to one of five other campuses located in Dandenong, Frankston, Berwick, Springvale or Rosebud. Why is it so?
Chisholm’s next-door neighbour, Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) recently sought to understand how Chisholm envisages the campus’s future and how the two providers might work together to provide the most effective VET programs to our local community.
Enquiries to Chisholm have resulted in escorted tours of the (empty) building, together with a willingness to rent out spaces but no indication of Chisholm’s plans for face-to-face delivery.
Chisholm’s next-door neighbour, Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) recently sought to understand how Chisholm envisages the campus’s future and how the two providers might work together to provide the most effective VET programs to our local community.
Enquiries to Chisholm have resulted in escorted tours of the (empty) building, together with a willingness to rent out spaces but no indication of Chisholm’s plans for face-to-face delivery.
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In the past, most courses offered at Wonthaggi were at Certificate III level, generally accepted as entry level in many industries, for jobs involving routine activities. Many of those studying at this level lack independent learning skills or have been away from study for some time. These students need close support from a teacher/trainer.
BCAL believes that a partnership with Chisholm or other provider to provide introductory or pathway programs to TAFE Certificate courses would help build basic skills and confidence. In some cases BCAL can also provide face-to-face learning support to students during their TAFE course. Malcolm Beasley’s recent open letter to the federal Minister for Skills and Training would be better addressed to the Victorian Minister. Chisholm is one of 12 publicly owned (by the State Government) vocational education and training (VET) providers – known as TAFEs to most of us. |
It's up to us
The Post asked Chisholm TAFE about the future of in-person classes in Bass Coast and use of the Wonthaggi campus and received the following response from a Victorian Government spokesperson: “The Victorian Government is working with Chisholm and the TAFE network to explore options for future TAFE course delivery in Bass Coast.” Given that it’s almost five years since there were in-person TAFE classes in Bass Coast, clearly they’re not working very hard on it. It’s up to us to help them concentrate. If you care about this issue, write to or phone your local MP and the relevant ministers:
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In the meantime, BCAL and Chisholm have agreed on a partnership to provide face-to-face support to local students enrolling in Early Childhood Education and Care Certificates - but at BCAL's campus and not till next year.
Not really a solution …
Maddy Harford is secretary of the board of Bass Coast Adult Learning.
Not really a solution …
Maddy Harford is secretary of the board of Bass Coast Adult Learning.
 | Nice campus. Shame there are no students July 13, 2024 - Despite Chisholm Institute’s impressive advertising hoardings, the institute doesn’t offer a single in-person course in Bass Coast. Malcolm Beasley’s out to change that. |