The partnership combines expertise with the world-class resources at Kangan Institute’s new Health and Community Centre of Excellence aiming to address urgent skills gaps and drive innovation in the region's high-demand health sector.
Focus areas of the initiative include:
- Vocational and academic pathways: developing pathways between TAFE and University in health and community courses to create a seamless education experience
- Collaborative innovations: Joint research projects, micro-credentials and short courses to meet evolving skills demands of industry.
- Community engagement: cross-institutional events and outreach activities to strengthen ties between education, industry and communities.
- Expanding collaborations: Exploring funding and partnership opportunities to enhance education and community support.
Kangan Institute is the leading vocational education provider in the north-west and together with La Trobe University will set the standard for vocational health and community education in Australia.
La Trobe University is the only university dedicated to serving the northern communities and aligns its mission with regional growth strategies that prioritise educational access and community support.
This partnership positions Kangan Institute and La Trobe University to drive change that will support demand for the 10,000 new workers expected in health and care in Melbourne’s north by 2026. [1]
The alliance supports the University Accord reform agenda to develop seamless pathways between vocational and higher education.
Comments for attributing:
La Trobe University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell:
“We have an ambition to develop our partnership with the Kangan Institute and become a national leader in TAFE-university innovation, serving the communities of Melbourne’s north.
“La Trobe is investing significantly in health and care program innovation and, together with local leaders and organisations, we will equip communities to face future challenges.”
Kangan Institute, Chief Executive Officer, Sally Curtain:
“Kangan Institute is ready to create meaningful change for Melbourne’s north with La Trobe University, setting the standard for vocational health and community education in Australia.
“We’ll combine our expertise with the world-class facilities at the new Kangan Institute Health and Community Centre to deliver top-tier health and care education and opportunities for both students and the sector."
References
[1] https://www.vic.gov.au/future-job-growth-melbourne-northern-region
PHOTO: (Front middle) La Trobe University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Melanie Bish, Kangan Insitute Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain and La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell with members of the two organisations' executive and leadership teams.
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About La Trobe University
For more than 50 years, La Trobe University has been transforming people and societies. The University works collaboratively across disciplines and with partners to develop fresh ways of thinking and conducting research – constantly seeking new ways to engage with and better serve its partners and communities, to build relationships and develop solutions for the issues facing society.
Along with holding its top 300 ranking in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2025, La Trobe earned the prestigious ‘Most Improved – Oceania Award’ in the QS World University Rankings 2025, rising 183 places over the past five years to claim its new spot at 217 of the 1,500 universities evaluated.
Read more about La Trobe here.
About Kangan Institute
Kangan Institute’s new Health and Community Centre of Excellence offers the most in demand courses, the latest technology, the best teachers and industry partners as well as unparalleled practical environments where students can maximise their learning.
Kangan Institute is a trading brand of Bendigo Kangan Institute and has campuses in Broadmeadows, Docklands, Cremorne and Essendon. It provides training services to students, industries, and businesses all over Victoria.
Visit kangan.edu.au for more details.
Media Contacts
La Trobe University - media@latrobe.edu.au
Kangan Institute - mediaenquiries@kangan.edu.au
