TAFEs to offer degrees, THE SUN-HERALD, August 22, 2010

Notes: - TAFE are to offer bachelor degrees - to become a higher-income education provider - not trying to compete with universities - the quality of TAFE degree and international reputation Summary: TAFE are to offer bachelor degrees for students, and the plan aimed at combating skills shortages. Under national guidelines, NSW TAFE was accredited to become a higher-income education provider. The head of TAFE in NSW said that "we are not trying to compete with universities ; we are trying to build relationships with them". Although, Australia universities' boss Glenn Withers said that it would be difficult to ensure the quality of a TAFE degree and the international reputation could be damaged. Personal reflections: TAFE degrees would extend opportunities to all communities, and it would give poor and regional students better access to higher education.