Nursing students disadvantaged by TAFE deferral
Summary
Seven students enrolled in a nursing diploma complained to us. Their TAFE had deferred their placements by four months. This meant some students missed out on employment and further study opportunities.
The placements were also in regional Victoria. This would result in extra accommodation and travel costs for the students.
We discussed the matter with the TAFE. The TAFE provided an ex gratia payment of $600 to each student. They provided written confirmation that students had completed the course, pending further accreditation.
What was the case?
The students were close to completing a nursing diploma with Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE. Their placements had been set for November but the TAFE deferred them to the following March.
This meant some students missed out on employment and further study opportunities.
The students studied in Melbourne. The placements were to take place in regional Victoria. This meant extra accommodation and travel costs for some students.
Our enquiries
The TAFE agreed to take part in a video conference with us. We recognised the efforts the TAFE had already made to resolve the issue.
This included:
- changing course information so it set out that course completion was subject to change, and placements could be in regional areas.
- placing those students who had employment and educational opportunities first.
We discussed other potential outcomes with the TAFE, which it said it would consider.
Outcome
The TAFE decided to:
- Provide an ex gratia payment of $600 to all 24 students in the course. This was to contribute to the extra accommodation costs of the regional placements.
- Provide written confirmation that students had completed the course, pending formal accreditation.
- Consider creating a Complaints Manager role to better manage student complaints.