The first cohort of students from Kunming Metallurgy College in China has commenced a new dual-qualification in environmental monitoring and technology that will see them graduate with recognition of their skills in both China and Australia.

The new qualification is the product of several years’ development between teachers and international units at Hunter TAFE and Kunming Metallurgy College, a vocational college in Yunnan province of China that specialises in areas of engineering, science, humanities and social sciences.

International qualifications are highly regarded by Chinese students and this partnership enables Hunter TAFE to deliver the Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology to Kunming College students through close co-operation between teachers. The partnership involves resource sharing, as well as teacher and student exchange.

Hunter TAFE Teachers Graeme Fullick, John Arthur and Adam Samuelson recently travelled to Kunming to initiate the delivery process by training local teachers to deliver Australian Competency based training. The Kunming Teachers will receive a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment from Hunter TAFE, which along with their local qualifications will qualify them to deliver Australian vocational education and training qualifications.

Hunter TAFE CEO/ Institute Director, Christine Warrington said the Diploma of Environmental Monitoring Technology qualification will provide graduates with many different pathway opportunities to gain employment in China, but also here in Australia.

“International education is an important part of our business as we look to develop new and smarter ways to collaborate with partners locally and internationally, and diversify our products,” Christine said.

“This dual-qualification has a multitude of benefits for Hunter TAFE and for Kunming Metallurgy College, but most importantly it is about providing their students with valuable qualifications that are recognised here in Australia.”

The first cohort of 42 students commenced the dual-qualification program in February, with an additional 50 students to commence mid-year, taking the total to 92 Chinese students within the programs first year of delivery.