As the University of Tasmania continues to take steps to complete its Northern Transformation plan, tertiary education in the region will also be given a face lift.

UTAS has embarked on a series of industry forums, to allow stakeholders to draw their line in the sand, set up their flag and discuss current and future skill shortages or employer needs.

These forums will help provide a blueprint for UTAS to design its new course structure, to assist in planning for potential future shortfalls or skill shortages.

UTAS is all in with this development - there will be a new campus built at Inveresk and region-specific courses tailored to Northern Tasmania's demographic will be on offer for future prospective students.

This development will change the face of higher education in Tasmania - as UTAS moves to new campus models in Launceston, Burnie and Hobart.

The experience of a UTAS graduate will be vastly different from 2021 to those who have come before it.

Recently, UTAS also alluded to the fact there might not even be traditional lecturers or lecture theatres on the new campus, as it embraces digital learning and other methods of delivery.

Because this is the most significant investment and development Launceston will see in education for decades, it's important the community is on board with the projects.

Transparency in development is key - communication is important to bring people along on the journey.

Northern Tasmania's community is eagerly awaiting an updated master plan for the Inveresk campus, with a development application already passing it's prearranged deadline as part of the federal Launceston City Deal.

Whenever that master plan is revealed, the community needs to be poised to embrace the changes or ensure they have their say.

Make sure your voice is heard; the future of the region's employment depends on it.

Have an opinion on the UTAS campus? Send a letter to the editor here.