OPTUS COLLEGE - 'PATHWAYS' TO THE FUTURE

Ninety-two Optus College students are building a 'pathway' for their future after graduating from nationally accredited Vocational Education Training (VET) courses today.

The Optus career development concept, known as 'pathways', provides employees with a consistently high level of training to support their career progression.

Victorian Minister for Education and Training Lynne Kosky congratulated graduates for seizing the opportunity to update and strengthen their skills.

"One of the best investments Optus can make as a business is in the skills and knowledge of its staff," Ms Kosky said.

"Graduates are to be applauded for going above and beyond their normal work duties to stay at the leading edge of their field.

"The Bracks Government is fostering a culture of lifelong learning in Victoria, and companies such as Optus, which have a commitment to training staff, are important partners in this vision," she said.

The Optus College provides staff with access to accredited Vocational Education Training (VET) programs leading to nationally recognised qualifications under the National Training Package.

Garry Emanuel, Director Optus College said, the College was established in 1999 and provides qualifications across a wide range of disciplines including IT, Project Management, Business Administration, Retail and Telecommunications including call centres.

"These vocational qualifications are closely aligned to the needs of both the individual and the business. Today, we have over 2600 students enrolled nationally to undertake VET qualifications," he said.

The Victorian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Training Program (ATTP) assisted 77 of the 92 graduates.

Qualifications that are currently offered through Optus College include:

• Certificate III in Telecommunications (Call Centres)
• Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training
• Certificate IV and Diploma in Frontline Management
• Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Project Management

More than 230 Victorians have graduated from these courses since the beginning of Optus College.

For more information:
Simone Bergholcs
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 7850