Newcastle showcases training systems to African colleagues
The Hunter's innovative vocational, education and training systems were on show to African counterparts this month.
The visitors were part of the Australia Africa Fellows for Technical, Vocational Education and Training Reform program, delivered by the University of Newcastle in partnership with TAFE NSW Hunter Institute.
Eleven of the program's participants, eight from South Africa and three from Namibia, visited industry workplaces such as Ampcontrol and Coal Services Australia where they saw workplace training in action. Coal Services Australia's virtual reality training facility has one of the most advanced simulators of its kind in the world. The training allows staff to experience and respond to real hazards in a safe and controlled environment, before encountering them in the workplace.
Participants also heard from Australian industry leaders on issues such as policy, industry partnerships, inclusiveness and equity strategies, and professional development approaches for lecturers.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders (back centre), and Director of TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, Mr Phil Cox, welcome participants of the Australia Africa Fellows for Technical, Vocational Education and Training Reform program. Photo by Conor Ashleigh.