RMIT Earn and Learn Model Aligns with Universities Accord Call for Reform

RMIT University recently celebrated the end of the pilot programme of its Earn and Learn model of study that aims to develop the skills of employees of the local government of Victoria. This programme was made possible through the funding of the Department of Government Services (DGS), which has invested $6.3 million. It was partnered with Swinburne, Victoria University, and Federation University. The initial phase was purported to include the development of solutions for training regarding the skill gaps identified by the councils, as well as the Australian Services Union. Four customised courses had been designed and delivered in each of the institutions involved, with the pilot fully funded.

Mish Eastman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Vocational Education at RMIT University, stated that this initiative is a direct result of evidence about shortages in the local government workforce in Victoria. The purpose of the project was to develop the current workforce, to encourage new employees to come into the local government sector, and to provide a pathway to fill a specific labour gap. The project also focuses on building industry partnerships by using a collaborative tertiary approach.

RMIT marked this occasion with a function held at RMIT City Campus. The function saw representatives speak to a gathering of RMIT and Victorian ministers, including The Hon. Minister for Local Government Victoria, The Hon. Nick Staikos, and Eastman, with Vice-President Strategy & Community Impact Tom Bentley. During this function, Eastman revealed that, despite courses in Phase 1 proceeding in 2026, the initiative had now commenced in Phase 2. This phase was said to represent an evolution of piloting upskilling initiatives to a design phase, focusing on innovation and individual council requirements.

After the presentation, a panel discussion also took place. It was a combined event hosted by the Minister and the Eastman Group. The participants shared experiences from the model. They also expressed how the model influenced them in terms of their careers, employment, and future. The Earn and Learn programme at RMIT was described as a nationally recognised work-based qualification involving the combination of vocational and higher education. Students can finish their course of study while working in full-time paid employment with employer partners, earning skills relevant to the workplace as well as a tertiary education. This is the first of its kind at a degree level in the state of Victoria.

The project was first revealed in 2024 and has since branched out into several fields, including nuclear medicine, cybersecurity, IT, and systems engineering. Eastman stated that the Australian Universities Accord, published in 2024 by the Federal Government, revealed a need for significant change in the post-school education sector. She referred to this as a “once-in-a-generation” chance to redefine education, with RMIT as Australia’s largest dual-sector university, challenging the system in determining what this might mean and building new and different models.

The future of education needs to integrate vocational and higher education, change the way teachers teach, and offer solutions for adults who want to work and study, she explained. The finalisation of the RMIT Earn and Learn pilot programme in Victoria, Australia, showcases a crucial milestone in countering the workload shortage within local councils. The full-time work and tertiary education concept has proved to provide efficient remedies to the gap in skills through enhanced industry partnerships. As the beginning of Phase 2 has been initiated, the programme aims to promote collaboration with local councils by aligning education with the requirements of the community.

Editor’s Note:

The completion of a pilot called Earn and Learn by RMIT University is important news, as it highlights an area through which the educational system is directly addressing workforce needs. The local councils that are based in Victoria are experiencing a lack of needed skills, which are then filled by this initiative. In relation to the first advantage of the initiative, it assists employees by allowing them the opportunity to further their studies whilst engaged in a paid, full-time job. This implies they attain work experience while also obtaining a formal qualification at the same time. On the other hand, the advantage for the councils is that they develop a better pool of qualified employees. It is also worth mentioning that the project represents the first of its kind at a degree level in the state of Victoria. With the blending of vocational and higher education, RMIT University is actually demonstrating how universities can challenge conventional thinking and develop a new model of education to cater to adults. The transition to Phase 2, emphasising a stronger focus on co-design, underlines the need to customise training according to the needs of the councils.

This is important news because it is indicative of the change being driven within the Australian university landscape. This is being advocated by the Australian Universities Accord, and RMIT is working on the development of innovative models that integrate study with work. Basically, the Earn and Learn programme is more than just an education programme. It is about building communities, supporting the government, and preparing the employees.

FAQs

1.What is the RMIT Earn and Learn model?

The RMIT Earn and Learn model is a nationally recognised work-based qualification that combines vocational and higher education. It allows students to study while in full-time, paid employment with partner employers. In this way, learners gain workplace skills and a tertiary qualification at the same time.

2.Is RMIT good for aviation?

Yes, RMIT University is well-regarded for aviation studies in Australia. It offers specialised programmes in aviation management, pilot training, and aerospace engineering. The university is known for combining practical training with academic study, preparing graduates for careers in both aviation operations and technical fields.

3.What is the local government's Earn and Learn pilot programme?

The local government Earn and Learn pilot programme was launched by RMIT in partnership with Swinburne, Victoria University, and Federation University. Funded by the Department of Government Services, it aimed to upskill workers in Victorian local councils. The pilot developed tailored courses to address skills gaps, recruitment challenges, and workforce shortages identified by councils and the Australian Services Union.

4.What is the salary level at RMIT?

Salaries at RMIT University vary depending on the role. Academic staff typically earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 130,000 per year, while senior lecturers and professors may earn more. Professional and administrative staff salaries are aligned with industry standards in Australia, with entry-level positions starting around AUD 65,000 annually.

5.Will Earn and Learn continue beyond the pilot?

Yes, RMIT has confirmed that the Earn and Learn initiative will continue beyond the pilot. Phase 1 courses will still be delivered in 2026, while Phase 2 will expand into a deeper co-design approach. This next stage will focus on council-specific needs and innovative training solutions, ensuring the programme remains a long-term part of workforce development.