This initiative aims to address the teacher shortage by allowing students to study locally, while gaining valuable experience working in schools across the region.
The Nexus program offers a unique pathway for Educational Support (ES) staff and Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESO) to upskill their qualifications and earn a Bachelor of Education to work in secondary schools and specialist schools.
Professor Joanna Barbousas, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education, Impact and Innovation and School of Education Dean at La Trobe, said the University was proud to partner with CUC Mallee and expand its award-winning Nexus program into the region.
“The Undergraduate Nexus program offers local students a unique opportunity to advance their education careers, while contributing to their communities,” Professor Barbousas said.
“Our program addresses the teacher shortage, by retaining teachers in schools and enabling students to study and work in a supportive environment.”
Dr Steve Murphy, Director of Rural and Regional Education Engagement at La Trobe, said the Nexus program is centred around fostering a supportive environment for students to study and work.
“The Undergraduate Nexus program not only addresses the teacher shortage, but also ensures students receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed in their educational and professional journeys,” Dr Murphy said.
CUC Mallee Centre Manager Hayden Hogan said it is exciting to be able to offer students the opportunity to study a teaching course which allows them to live and work in the region.
“This program presents a unique opportunity to address the current teacher shortage in our region. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the course is that the students will be working and training in local schools whilst they complete their studies,” Mr Hogan said.
“CUC Mallee supports students enrolled in La Trobe’s Undergraduate Nexus program by providing access to the Centre and resources such as reliable internet as well as academic, wellbeing and administrative supports.”
Having been open for just over one year, CUC Mallee has captured the attention of students in the region with over 200 having registered to use the centre. This high number of registrations demonstrates the need for a facility such as the CUC Mallee in the region.
CUC Mallee is a community led model which aims to increase access and opportunities to higher education pathways for regional students, and in doing so, building the capacity of our local community and workforce.
CUC Mallee is supported by the Australian Government through the Regional University Study Hubs Program. The program now consists of 53 hubs across regional Australia after the Minister of Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, recently announced 10 new hubs, with the nearest new hubs being CUC Hay and CUC Hamilton.
