Studying for a career in social work in the Riverina is a lot easier thanks to a new agreement that comes into force from Tuesday 1 September. A state-wide agreement between TAFE NSW and Charles Sturt University (CSU) will enable local people interested in a career in social welfare to more easily articulate from TAFE to university studies. The agreement provides Riverina students with a seamless progression between a range of Diploma of Community Services courses at TAFE NSW Riverina Institute and the Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare) at CSU. Charles Sturt University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter said, “I welcome this example of Charles Sturt University working more closely with the TAFE sector as an important step in helping increase opportunities for higher education, particularly for people who live in rural and regional Australia. Riverina Institute’s relieving Director Ms Joy Stocker says the agreement is a very positive step toward addressing shortages of qualified community services staff in rural NSW.

This agreement was signed by Charles Sturt University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Goulter, and The Hon. Verity Firth, MP, Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Women on Thursday 23 July. There are seven diploma level qualifications available through TAFE NSW Riverina Institute which articulate directly into the social welfare program at CSU. These include Diplomas of Disability, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Community Services, Community Development and Case Management.  New diplomas available in 2010, including Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health will also articulate with the CSU degree. In the Riverina, students will be able to complete their two-year TAFE NSW Diploma course and then articulate into the third and final year of the Bachelor qualification at CSU. People wishing to study Diploma of Community Services in 2010 have a matter of weeks to take advantage of this new arrangement. Some new courses require applications, so prospective students are urged to enquire about the course of their choice now. For more information, visit here or call 1300 138 318.