Hunter TAFE students are enjoying the best of both educational worlds- studying a job ready TAFE program with the benefits of receiving a higher education degree.
Developed by TAFE NSW in consultation with industry, the Associate Degree of Accounting is supporting business who want accounting graduates with a practical industry-focused qualification.
“Students studying the Higher Education program at Hunter TAFE have the opportunity to gain both vocational and university qualifications with a focus on applied, rather than abstract, skills,” Hunter TAFE Director, Phil Cox, said.
The Tertiary Pathway to Accounting consists of the two-year TAFE NSW Associate Degree of Accounting followed by enrolment in the third year of a bachelor degree at one of the partner universities, Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University and University of New England.
Business & Accounting Teacher, Greg Dean believes the Associate Degree program offers a professional benchmark for students to learn and practice the skills employers want.
“The teaching is more practical and industry-focused. Students receive an internship program, a flexible tertiary pathway and agreed credit in a supportive learning environment,” Greg said.
The Associate Degree of Accounting provides students with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge to equip them for work in the accounting profession. They develop knowledge and skills in accounting, tax, finance, statistics, marketing and law as they apply to the accounting profession as well as the broader Australian business environment.
In second year, in addition to completing further accounting, law and business subjects, they also undertake an industry internship which provides students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real workplace situation, as well as establishing valuable professional contacts.
The program has been developed with input from CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and businesses are encouraged become part of the internship program.
As part of the Higher Education offering, last week Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Phil Cox, announced the inclusion of an Associate Degree of Applied Engineering (Renewable Energy Technologies).
The program will be offered at Hunter TAFE in 2014 and will equip students with the knowledge and ability to design and apply a range of technologies in the renewable energy spectrum, with specialisation in either electrical or mechanical/civil engineering.
