A long-standing partnership between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute that aims to improve access to quality education across the region is set to be extended

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two education providers will be renewed from 12pm on Wednesday 23 July 2014.

The MoU paves the way for joint projects, research and consultancies, the sharing of facilities and resources, and cooperation to hold conferences, public lectures and workshops.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the partnership builds on areas of common interest to benefit the whole region.

"Charles Sturt University and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute are working together to increase opportunities and ensure we're providing high quality education that meets the needs of the community," he said.

"We do this by leveraging from each other's physical sites, making it easy for students to move from TAFE to university study and addressing areas of key regional need such as health.

 "A good example is the collaboration in dentistry, where TAFE NSW Riverina Institute uses some of our facilities."

TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Director Ms Kerry Penton agreed, adding "It is through partnerships such as this that we can offer an exciting future for our communities, enabling regional students to study where they live".

"Gone are the days when our young people had to travel to larger cities to earn their degrees," she said.

"Students in the Riverina Murray region can go from high school, to TAFE to University all in their local area. Students can stay with their loved ones, stay near their friends, remain an active part of their local community and still achieve a world-class education and secure their future careers. It's a win-win for the students, their families, and for our community."

A cornerstone of the agreement is the provision of a broad range of study pathway programs with credit packages for students and unique integrated programs that enable students to study at TAFE and CSU at the same time.

One of the students to benefit from the CSU and TAFE NSW RI agreement is final year Bachelor of Information Technology student Mr Tom Gibson, a technician at Computer DenCity in Wagga Wagga.

"I chose to study through the integrated IT program for two main reasons," Mr Gibson said. "I had previously undertaken some courses at TAFE and enjoyed the practical aspects and learning styles, and I wanted the opportunities provided by a University degree, but was not confident in my abilities to succeed at a higher academic level.

"Following this pathway provides students with an opportunity to gain a practical understanding of topics at the Riverina Institute that are expanded upon later at Charles Sturt University. The hands-one hands-on experience can assist in building the skills to secure employment."