From: tomw@ccadfa.cc.adfa.oz.au (Tom Worthington)
Subject: ACT Polytechnic Proposed
Summary: ACS CHAIRMAN SUPPORTS FURTHER RESOURCES TO ACT TAFE 
Organization: Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, Australia
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 03:47:04 GMT

Tom Worthington MACS PCP, Chairman of the Canberra Branch of the
Australian Computer Society expressed support for further resources to the
ACT TAFE at the ACT TAFE prize giving ceremony. Mr. Worthington was
presenting the annual Australian Computer Society Award for computing in
the TAFE Electrical Engineering course.
 
 "The current developments for TAFE nationally are occurring at a
 breathtaking rate. I believe that there is considerable potential for
 further developing TAFE in Canberra. A change of name to, for example the
 ACT Polytechnic , may aid thinking about ways to expand this type of
 education in Canberra."

 "ACS involvement with University information technology courses is well
 known. What is less well known is the role the ACS in providing advice and
 assistance to the TAFE system for information technology courses. In
 addition to giving prizes the ACS provides assistance with course content
 directly to TAFE and through representation on bodies such as the ACT
 Information Technology Industry Advisory Committee. The ACS also assists
 with the accreditation of information technology courses in the ACT. I
 hope this will increasingly include TAFE courses."

 "I believe that there is scope for expansion for TAFE information
 technology courses in the ACT. However careful planing and consultation
 with industry is needed to avoid duplication of existing University
 courses. The ACT is very well catered for in the information technology
 area with University courses from the University of Canberra, Australian
 Defence Force Academy and the Australian National University. In addition
 there are private providers with very good courses, such as the Computer
 Power Training Institute."

 "In the last few weeks I have had discussions with a number of people
 proposing initiatives for encouraging high technology export industries
 based in Canberra. Specially targeted TAFE courses could be part of such
 initiatives."

 "One information technology area which is not being well catered for in
 Canberra is the training of Local Area Network (LAN) maintenance and
 management personnel. The ACT TAFE could take a lead in this area. The
 rise in popularity of the personal computers and networks of personal
 computers requires new categories of personnel and new skills for existing
 personnel."

 "Another area for expansion would be telemarketing. That is the promoting,
 selling and delivery of products and services by telephone, facsimile and
 other emerging communications technologies. This would fit well with
 TAFE's current strengths in both business courses and technical
 computer/electronics courses. Telemarketing has a poor public reputation
 due to questionable practices by some companies. Courses which could
 encourage ethical and competent practice could do much to improve the
 industry. Canberra, with its high quality telecommunications
 infrastructure, is well placed to expand this industry."

 "LAN maintenance and telemarketing would be courses would offer young
 people a  qualification which would enable them to get a start in the work
 force. These people could then go on to further studies in business and
 technical fields. I look forward to many of these young people going on to
 become fully qualified information technology professionals and joining
 the 14,000 members of the ACS in the future."


 ABOUT THE ACS:

 The Australian Computer Society is the professional association in
 Australia for those in the computing and information technology fields. It
 was established in 1966. The Society has over 14,000 members and on a per
 capita basis is one of the largest computer societies in the world. 

 The mission of the Society is advancing professional excellence in
 information technology. The objects of the Society are:  To further the
 study, science, application and practice of computing; To promote, develop
 and monitor competence in the practice of information technology by 
 persons and organisations; To maintain a Code of Ethics for the members of
 the Society; To define standards of knowledge for members; To promote the
 formulation of effective policies in computing, information technology and
 related matters ; To extend the knowledge and  understanding of
 information technology in the community; To serve and support the members
 of the Society; To promote the benefits of being and/or employing a member
 of the Society. 


 FURTHER DETAILS

 Tom Worthington MACS PCP
 THE CANBERRA BRANCH OF 
 THE AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER SOCIETY INCORPORATED
 G.P.O. Box 446
 Canberra A.C.T. 2601
 Australia

 Ph: +61 6 247 4830 (ACS Office)
 Fax: +61 6 249 6419 

 E-Mail: tomw@adfa.oz.au

 Authorised by Tom Worthington, 
 Chairman

Newsgroups: aus.students.overseas