While we often hail the importance state universities and TAFE institutes play in furthering Australia’s economic, social and cultural development, the contributions made by smaller education providers can often be overlooked. While having fewer students, staff and resources, small education providers can have just as significant an impact on the community. Community colleges in particular, play a significant role in creating job opportunities and developing viable industries, due to their focus on training programs that prepare people for employment and the changing workforce. They also offer a wide range of courses that have been adapted to ESL learners, students with disabilities and mature age students.

These adaptions allow for more accessible and flexible education options, where all members of the community can have an equal chance at furthering their development and skills set. Because of this, we thought would profile some of our aXcelerate community college clients and highlight the positive work they do.

Albury Wodonga Community College

Albury Wodonga Community College (AWCC) is proudly celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year and has grown to approximately 6000 learners from its humble beginnings in 1974. It is now open seven days a week and delivers to learners across both NSW and Victoria. AWCC is a unique education provider in that it is registered in both states as an RTO and an ACE provider. Consequently it relies on aXcelerate to communicate tasks, information and statistical reporting requirements between the two states.

AWCC’s focus is on accessible education. They aim to provide the diverse members of their local community with an opportunity to further their skills set and knowledge. They achieve this through their numerous program offerings such as ESL programs offered to refugees, unemployed/youth programs and programs designed for third age learners.

Because of the diversity and flexibility of these program offerings, AWCC is experiencing steady growth. This is only expected to continue in future, and we are delighted to assist and help out during this exciting time for AWCC.

Skills Link Training Community College

Skills Link Training Community College has been a training provider since 1984 and is committed to the community of Port Macquarie and surrounding districts. Skills Link’s annual enrolments average at 3,500 and cater to a diverse range of students aged between 15 and 93!

To cater to this diverse range of students, Skills Link have designed a range of specialist programs for local businesses, clients wishing to find new career paths, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds wanting to gain employment or re-enter the workforce. Increasingly, Skills Link are also working with people with disabilities and assisting them in developing lifestyle skills to participate in the community.

To manage all of these course and qualification offerings, Skills Link are currently using aXcelerate to streamline their administrative and enrolment processes, in order to enhance their overall efficiency. We are delighted to continue this partnership with Skills Link and are excited to see what lies ahead for them and the Port Macquarie community.

Camden Haven Community College

Camden Haven Community College has been an RTO since 1997 and focuses on providing education and training opportunities that reflect the changing needs of Camden Haven and surrounding communities.  Camden Haven also strives to preserve and protect their surrounding environment and thus have put an emphasis on making their facilities and practices as sustainable as possible. This includes the creation of a community garden at Apex Park, which enables the college to provide training in sustainable landcare and education on producing nutritious food.

Camden College have a diverse range of students, all with varying needs. The majority of their students are over 45 and seeking further training for employment opportunities, however there are multiple students aged between 15 and 45 who wish to extend their current employment, enhance their skills or simply to embrace learning.

Consequently Camden College are currently experiencing steady growth, with an approximate average of 1000 students enrolling each year, and are using aXcelerate to manage and report continuously on these growing enrolments.

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Camden Haven Community College, Skills Link Training and Albury Wodonga Community College are only three, of the many aXcelerate community college clients that support and develop our local communities. Consequently, on behalf of everyone here at aXcelerate, we would like to congratulate all of our community college clients on the positive work they do and hope that they continue to grow and prosper. We look forward to seeing many of you at the CCA conference in Melbourne!