They come from across the globe, representing 77 countries and 43 nationalities, to study at Victoria’s largest technical and further education (TAFE) institute.
Many international graduates of Holmesglen Institute say their experience has been life changing. That includes Panhavuth Kret from Cambodia, who graduated with a Diploma of Graphic Design, Patricia Alvez from Brazil, who graduated with a Diploma of Community Services, and Liang Xu from China who proudly holds a Certificate III in Carpentry.
Holmesglen—with representation in more than 800 locations worldwide—offers more than 120 nationally recognised training programs to close to 5,500 international students (onshore and offshore).
In the late 1980s, Holmesglen became the first TAFE institute to be registered as an English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students provider and established its Overseas Education Unit. It then established its first transnational education partnership in China 20 years ago and in 2015 a partnership with Zhejiang Business and Technology Institute in Ningbo, China.
Today Holmesglen remains one of a few institutions delivering across the senior-secondary, vocational and higher education continuum through an integrated model of applied learning and research. It refreshes and customises training products and support services to stay on top of its game and ensure graduates are work-ready.
‘We identify skill shortages and local labour market needs to offer relevant programs and services that meet international demand,’ says Mary Faraone, Chief Executive Officer.
Innovation is a priority. ‘For example, we knew that international VET students often aspire to go onto higher education,’ says Mary, ‘so we developed our own degrees and now offer the largest number across diverse study areas of any non-university provider. All our degrees enable seamless transitions from underpinning VET qualifications.’
For its efforts, Holmesglen has won several accolades. Its latest was the 2017 International Training Provider of the Year at the Australian Training Awards, which acknowledges excellence in educational delivery.
Holmesglen’s results speak volumes.
Pahnhavuth, who had an ‘awesome group of caring teachers’, learned in a creative environment and gained job-ready skills. Patricia secured work with a support services organisation, and says Holmesglen provided her with the ‘right pathway to thrive in my new career.’ Liang, who has set up his own formwork company, says the real experience of his lecturers ignited his passion.
As an Australian VET Alumni member, Holmesglen intends to spread the word about the value of VET. ‘In our case, VET adds another dimension to the education system, including around diversity, tolerance and respect,’ says Mary.
To find out more about how you can gain real skills for a real career through a VET qualification, visit www.myskills.gov.au