Published Saturday, 19 July, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Higher education study options on show at expo
An estimated 24,000 people are expected to visit Queensland’s 27th Tertiary Studies Expo in Brisbane this weekend to explore opportunities available in higher education.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford will officially open the two-day expo at the RNA Showgrounds today.
“Tertiary education is vital to Queensland’s economy, especially at the right now with so many industries experiencing a shortage of qualified skilled professionals, technicians and tradespeople,” Mr Welford said.
“Key industries like engineering, health, teaching, information and communication technology and the sciences are experiencing significant shortages.
“Enrolments in research postgraduate programs have declined in recent years, but people with these qualifications add great value to our economic and social development.”
Mr Welford said the Tertiary Studies Expo would give students the opportunity to explore all study options and consult higher education experts.
“There will be a wide range of exhibitors at the expo including universities, TAFE institutes, private training providers and government agencies,” he said.
“Visitors can get information on scholarships and bursaries, partnerships between training providers, open learning opportunities, and certificate and diploma-level courses that offer pathways to university.
“It’s vital for current and prospective students to make fully-informed decisions about their further education.”
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government’s innovative and responsible training system was helping to address skills shortages and give students more opportunities.
“Our $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan is helping address the shortage of skilled workers in industries crucial to the economy,” he said.
“It’s making the training system more relevant to the needs of industry, employers and students.
“And two Queensland TAFE institutes—Southbank and Gold Coast—are now statutory institutes, making them better equipped to be more responsive to local needs, with relevant, competitive courses and the future prospect of fee-help for eligible students.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 0417 791 336
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford will officially open the two-day expo at the RNA Showgrounds today.
“Tertiary education is vital to Queensland’s economy, especially at the right now with so many industries experiencing a shortage of qualified skilled professionals, technicians and tradespeople,” Mr Welford said.
“Key industries like engineering, health, teaching, information and communication technology and the sciences are experiencing significant shortages.
“Enrolments in research postgraduate programs have declined in recent years, but people with these qualifications add great value to our economic and social development.”
Mr Welford said the Tertiary Studies Expo would give students the opportunity to explore all study options and consult higher education experts.
“There will be a wide range of exhibitors at the expo including universities, TAFE institutes, private training providers and government agencies,” he said.
“Visitors can get information on scholarships and bursaries, partnerships between training providers, open learning opportunities, and certificate and diploma-level courses that offer pathways to university.
“It’s vital for current and prospective students to make fully-informed decisions about their further education.”
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government’s innovative and responsible training system was helping to address skills shortages and give students more opportunities.
“Our $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan is helping address the shortage of skilled workers in industries crucial to the economy,” he said.
“It’s making the training system more relevant to the needs of industry, employers and students.
“And two Queensland TAFE institutes—Southbank and Gold Coast—are now statutory institutes, making them better equipped to be more responsive to local needs, with relevant, competitive courses and the future prospect of fee-help for eligible students.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 0417 791 336