The Australian Universities Accord – released by the Federal Government in early 2024 – called for significant reform of the tertiary education system to underpin a strong, equitable and resilient Australia.
As part of the sector’s response, RMIT is shaping a new tertiary education system to better address Australia’s critical skills shortages and provide education opportunities for those who need to work alongside their studies.
The University understands that we also need to rethink learning and teaching models to provide adult learners with education solutions that accommodate their need to work alongside study.
RMIT, together with our industry partners, have developed the ‘Earn and Learn’ model - a nationally recognised work-based-learning qualification that combines vocational and higher education, co-designed and delivered with industry.
It combines Vocational and Higher Education to create learning opportunities to address looming skills shortages, improve workforce participation, as well as the need to upskill and reskill large parts of the workforce.
The model is the first of its kind for a Victorian university at degree level. It will see students complete their studies as part of their full-time, paid employment at a partner employer, allowing them to acquire valuable workplace skills while attaining a tertiary qualification.
Designed according to industry needs, Earn and Learn represents a ‘win-win’ for students and industry, while addressing skills shortages critical to Australia’s future economic prosperity.
Students will be paid as a full-time employee at their place of work, earning a paycheck as they gain their degree. Their employer will also make a contribution to their student tuition fees.
Employers will have the ability to hone students’ craft and shape their skills and expertise to suit their needs, while also teaching them intangible workplace skills.
Earn and Learn will continue at RMIT in 2025, through a five-year Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in the College of Vocational Education (CoVE).
Students will be employed by their employer for five years, and undertake two years of vocational training with the Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical) before transferring to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) in STEM College for a further three years.
RMIT University’s Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine – Industry Practice) will commence in 2025, offering a blend of remote learning and hands-on clinical training in Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.
RMIT is already leading a consortium of Victorian dual-sector universities to help identify skills gaps among the state’s local government workforce and subsequently deliver ‘Earn and Learn’ training programs to address these gaps.
We are also implementing earn and learn models across various program areas at RMIT. A few examples include:
The University expects to roll out Earn and Learn models across more programs in the coming years.
If you’re a current or prospective student interested in an Earn and Learn Degree Apprenticeship at RMIT, visit our degree aprenticeship pages.
The University is also seeking industry partners to expand Earn and Learn models throughout the University. If you’re an industry partner or are interested in partnering with RMIT to deliver an Earn and Learn degree, please contact the Partnership team at ve.partnerships@rmit.edu.au.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.