RMIT New 'Earn & Learn' Model

New ‘Earn & Learn’ Model

Australia will need hundreds of thousands of skilled, knowledgeable workers in the next two decades to support Australia’s economy and our community.

With this in mind, RMIT, together with its industry partners, has 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 TAFE and University 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 pay check 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.

Currently, the following two programs are running:

Degree Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering and 

Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Nuclear Medicine – Industry Practice) (in Queensland).

The University expects to roll out ‘Earn and Learn’ models across more programs in the coming years.