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Change to I.T. course delivery ‘a positive move for the community’Thursday 11th NovemberTAFE NSW—North Coast Institute Director, Neil Black, has responded to suggestions by the NSW Teachers Federation that course changes affecting an Information Technology teacher at Grafton Campus was part of a wider attempt to reduce I.T. courses in general at Grafton Campus. “There is no intention whatsoever to cut IT courses at Grafton Campus. What we are doing is responding to clear community demand for the teaching of more high-level specialist skills and I can assure everyone that this absolutely necessary shift is a re-affirming of our commitment to delivering Information Technology learning for the Grafton community,” said Mr Black. Mr Black said that the North Coast Institute IT Faculty had established that demand in the community has shifted from requiring broad-based introductory-level skills to requiring higher-level specialist technical skills in order for them to gain employment locally and in metropolitan areas. It is planned for the course offerings at Grafton Campus to be changed to reflect this change in demand but the current level of course delivery will be maintained. There will be a change to the range of modules in the current Introductory course offering so that Web Design, Networking and Graphics is available for study. In addition the range of electives available in the Certificate IV in Information Technology (Client Support) will be increased to reflect a similar offering. “This will be a positive change for the community as it will provide wider opportunities to gain modern specialist and higher level skills,” said Mr Black. “This reflects what students have been requesting. Additionally, with these changes, students wishing to go on to study the Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration) at Coffs Harbour will be able to be supported from Grafton so they don't have to travel.” Mr Black said that changes in the IT sector nationally and globally have seen significant shifts in training and education requirements in the last five years as the industry has matured and consumers’ patterns have changed. “So in order to effectively change what we offer we need to introduce staff with appropriate specialist skills or re-train existing staff and this is what is being implemented.” Mr Black said. Mr Black also emphasised that the fact that the North Coast Institute was investing some $8 million to an extensive upgrade to Grafton Campus showed the level of the Institute’s commitment to the community of the Clarence Valley.
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