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Construction careers fast-tracked at RMIT
An exciting initiative at RMIT University will help young people fast-track their
careers in the construction industry by giving students the chance to gain
qualifications in record time.
Building Pathways to Construction will be officially launched at RMIT at 10.30am
today (Wednesday, 28 January).
With skill shortages in the construction industry at critical levels, the program
enables students to begin their vocational training in Year 11 and gain three
qualifications – and a broad range of industry experience – in just four years.
Elise Toomey, Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools Manager at
RMIT, said 12 students from schools across Melbourne had joined the pilot project.
“Students who successfully complete the credit-bearing Certificates and Diplomas
can bypass ENTER score requirements and gain direct entry into a Bachelor
program,” Ms Toomey said.
“These students gain three qualifications in less time than it would ordinarily take to
do one Bachelor degree.
“By enabling students to become qualified and work-ready in record time, this
program is exactly what the construction industry needs to address the many skill
shortages it faces into the future.”
Under the program, students study for a Certificate IV in Building and Construction
in Year 11 and 12, enabling them to begin the second year of a Diploma once they
have finished secondary school.
On completing the Diploma in Building and Construction, they can then progress
directly into the third year of either a Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction
Management) or a Bachelor of Applied Science (Project Management) at RMIT.
Ms Toomey said the program was one of many varied pathways into education
offered at RMIT, Australia’s largest dual-sector institution.
“RMIT’s flexible approach offers students a range of options for gaining the skills
they need to meet the demands of a rapidly moving global economy,” she said.
Building Pathways to Construction will be launched at 10.30am today at RMIT
Building 45, corner of Lygon St and Earl St, Melbourne. Students involved in the
project will be available for interview.
For interviews: RMIT University VET in Schools Manager, Elise Toomey, (03)
9925 3801 or 0410 208 420.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Media and Communications,
Gosia Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
28 January, 2009
NEWS 
