Standing Committee on Employment, Education 
        and Workplace Relations 
      
      This document has been scanned from the original printed submission. 
        It may contain some errors 
      
Submission 43
      Subject: Inquiry into the Appropriate Roles of Institutes fo Technical 
        and Further Education.
      Date Tue, 28 Oct 1997
      I wish to make a brief submission on the role of TAFE Art and Design 
        in Victoria as distinct from Universities coverage of this field of study.
      TAFE Art and Design in Victoria comprises a wide range of courses and 
        programs at Advanced Diploma, Diploma and Certificate levels in areas 
        of Art, Design and Craft.
      Diplomas in Visual Art, Design, Graphic Art Screenprint Design, textiles, 
        Wood Design, Applied Photography, Visual Merchandising, Electronic Design 
        and Interactive Media, have been developed through a thorough process 
        of Industry input and constant maintenance.
      These courses are designed to primarily prepare students for an identified 
        vocation with a focus on competencies that closely relate to Industry 
        needs as identified through accountable curriculum design processes.
      TAFE Art and Design program provision is also the result of Labour Market 
        analysis and is responsible to the shifts in emphasis provided by Industry 
        indicators.
      The TAFE Art and Design field of study has also been responsive to Government 
        policy changes in the Industry and Labour Market areas by mounting and 
        delivering programs at short notice to identified sectors. Recent program 
        delivery in Multi Media indicate such responsiveness.
      The performance of TAFE Art and Design programs has been trended and 
        is measurable utilizing student contact hour, module (subject) completion 
        rates and costs per student contact hour measures.
      Performance in Victoria is exceptional and underpins the quality of graduate 
        outcomes.
      Another important aspect of TAFE Art and Design is its relationship to 
        Higher Education.
      TAFE provides many students with a preparation for further study and 
        although this is not a major focus, it is time to recognise that significant 
        numbers of exit Year 12 and Mature Age students use TAFE as a bridge to 
        Higher Education.
      It is also significant in TAFE Art and Design that 'Reverse Articulation' 
        sees graduates from Degree programs in Art and Design move to TAFE to 
        complete a more vocationally focussed training.
      TAFE Art and Design is a relevant, accountable and flexible sector of 
        training that has a distinct Industry focus and can provide vital links 
        for the community to Higher Education.
      I would be please on behalf of my organisation to discuss these matters 
        further if required.
      Yours sincerely
      William Winford
      Chairperson
      TAFE ART & DESIGN STATEWIDE COMMITTEE ("TADSC")
      
      
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