A chance for industry to discuss future education needs has been launched by the University of Tasmania.
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A series of industry and community forums will be held in Launceston over the coming months to help the community have their say on what courses may look like at UTAS in the future.
The first was held on Tuesday night and was hosted by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and UTAS' School of Business and Economics.
Associate Professor Stuart Crispin said engaging with the local business community will help shape how UTAS designs new courses, in addition to how they can be delivered differently.
"Cooperative development of business curriculum ensures that students will graduate from courses that more effectively align to emerging career opportunities in the region," Associate Professor Crispin said.
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An accelerated Bachelor of Business course is one of the new offerings already being delivered in Launceston, which was revamped to tailor to the region's small business needs.
Associate Professor Crispin said the course had traditionally been in decline, however, since its transformation and location in Launceston enrolments had jumped 16 per cent.
The course is run from Enterprize in Launceston, which Associate Professor Crispin said put students directly in contact with the start-up community.
The business course is in its first intake this year in its new format and has proven popular with students.
"They [the students] are sitting there while businesses are sitting around them so it facilitates connection with the start-up community," he said.
Associate Professor Crispin said the business course was one example UTAS was working with the industry and the community to help address skill shortages and gaps, but also to create regionally relevant courses.
Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Neil Grose said the forums provided an opportunity for business leaders to discuss future needs with the tertiary education provider.
"This is a real opportunity for Launceston businesses to have significant input into the tertiary business offering in Launceston," Mr Grose said.
"This new degree structure will allow students to be immersed in businesses as they undertake their degree, which will lead to better career options once graduated and better outcomes for business when they employ graduates from the Launceston-based TSBE course."
The first of the forum series focused on the needs of the accounting and financial sector with future forums to focus on areas such as retailing, events and marketing, small business, manufacturing and agribusiness.
Dates and topics for the next lot of industry forums will be revealed at a later date.
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