A survey of training needs across the savannas has found that
stakeholders consistently place priority on entry and middle-level
certificate and diploma programs rather than tertiary-level study.
It also found that there was a lack of readily available
information about the availability of such courses throughout the
savannas.
Accordingly, TS-CRC researchers compiled a database that documents
courses relating to the use and management of tropical savannas
right across northern Australia that can be accessed by the wider
savanna community. Australia's Tropical Savannas: An Education and
Training Database is available from the CRC, most libraries at
educational institutions across the savannas and can also be viewed
in our Education Section.
The survey was undertaken by three of the centre's researchers:
Rebecca Benson, Greg Wearne and Robyn Young, all from the Northern
Territory University. The three contacted stakeholder groups to
find out their education and training needs, and educational
institutions to find out what courses are presently on offer.
While the researchers found the needs of stakeholders varied
widely, there was generally limited interest in higher education at
degree and postgraduate levels across the board. Instead,
stakeholders wanted education and training which gave workplace
skills and was delivered on the job and recognised prior learning.
Stakeholders also wanted training that involved themselves in its
delivery and evaluation and courses that overcame the barriers of
distance and time, offered credit transfer to other courses and
fitted easily with further study.
However, the survey found that there was a lack of readily
available information about such courses and their delivery. They
found that concerns and needs were identified which, quite unknown
to stakeholders, were currently met. The database was developed in
response to meet this need.
The database includes courses at Northern Territory University in
science, horticulture, and natural and cultural resource
management. It also contains information about courses at
institutions such as James Cook University, and TAFE colleges in
Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Institutions which provide relevant distance education, such as
Charles Sturt University in New South Wales are also included.
Information is also provided about where a course is delivered,
what it involves, how long it takes, the clients it attracts,
admission procedures, the origins of the course, articulation and
credit transfer arrangements. The information was collected from
lecturers, course coordinators and curriculum officers from various
institutions and private providers. The database will be updated
twice a year.
