Multiple qualifications and excellent job prospects await students of a new information technology (IT) program developed by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute.

Mr Jason Howarth, course director in the CSU School of Computing and Mathematics, said, "This is the best undergraduate IT program I have ever seen, and graduates of the program will have excellent employment prospects.

"This IT program will allow students to graduate with multiple TAFE awards, a Charles Sturt University Bachelor's degree, and industry certification from one of the world's leading vendors. The program is also very modular, so that students can exit at various points."

Mr Howarth noted that the Australian Department of Employment has predicted a substantial number of new job opportunities in the IT industry over the next five years, particularly in the areas of computer security, network administration, and software development.

"Charles Sturt University and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute developed this fully-integrated program of study to help meet this demand," Mr Howarth said.

"The program incorporates Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Bachelor degree awards within a three-year unified program of computing study. Students will also attain industry certification from Cisco Systems, the world's leading computer networking vendor."

The program is available in Albury and Wagga Wagga, and students who enrol will divide their time between their local TAFE and CSU campuses. Two thirds of the program will be completed at TAFE and the rest at the University.

After three years of full-time study, students will graduate with:

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)

Diploma of Information Technology (Networking)

Advanced Diploma of Network Security

Bachelor of Information Technology

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Mr George Holt, Head of IT at TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, said, "This program gives students the best of both worlds. The hands on learning at TAFE, and academic studies at Charles Sturt University, will create well-rounded, job-ready IT graduates."

Information sessions for prospective students will be held at TAFE campuses in Wagga Wagga and Albury at 5.30pm Wednesday 11 February, or contact Mr George Holt on 6938 1290 for more information, or visit itpathway.com.au or the NSW TAFE courses website.