Learner voice

At Federation TAFE we're in it with you

At Federation TAFE we know that with the right support, facilities and learning environment, education can transform lives and communities. All you need is a place that helps you believe it’s possible.

That’s why we want to find out about what's important to you and hear your ideas for improvement.

The Learner Voice project

Early in 2023 members of the TAFE executive team got out and spoke to students at Fed College, Mount Helen, Gillies Street, and Wimmera Campuses. And when our students spoke – we listened.

From these initial learning walks, campus visits and meetings the Learner Voice project was born. The project continues to evolve in collaboration with students to enhance the student experience and foster a diverse and welcoming campus community.

We now have student representatives that attend our Learner Excellence meetings, and we encourage new members to join at any time to provide us with their feedback on a range of topics.

Please email us at learnerexperienceTAFE@federation.edu.au with your feedback or if you’re interested in being a student representative for TAFE.

SMB Campus Picnic Tables

You may have noticed the new addition of several tables and benches at the rear of S Building, SMB Campus in Ballarat. This was in response to a request from Federation College students to create an outdoor space for socialising together.

Thank you to the building and construction team and students for their efforts in making these.

You spoke – we listened:

  • “The enrolment process was too difficult and took too long”
    – We have removed 18 steps, simplified communication and introduced short videos to help people through their enrolment
  • “I couldn’t find anyone to talk to with the right information when I was trying to find out about the course”
    – When a student enquires about a course, they will receive information that includes the name and direct phone number of a TAFE program support officer they can call directly.
  • "Some of the facilities and equipment are either broken, outdated or in need of a clean"
    – We have worked with our Property and Infrastructure team to increase regular building auditing, maintenance and cleaning.
  • “Diploma of Nursing Students were not initially offered a position in the Bachelor of Nursing for 2023”
    – There is now a guaranteed pathway and priority position for all TAFE students into the Bachelor of Nursing.
  • "I didn’t have my timetable until a week before the course started which put a lot of pressure on me to organise study around work and my personal life”
    – All 2024 timetables will be available on 20 November 2023.
  • “It would be great if I could buy some uniform that I could wear to class and placement”
    – An extended uniform/course wear range will be available to order through the FedStore, including Hard Yakka workwear available for trade students.
  • “Instead of Coles gift vouchers for prize winners, can we have some Total Tools vouchers for trade students?”
    – Total tools vouchers are now part of our survey prize pool.
  • “As a Diploma of Nursing student, I feel more like a PE Teacher when I wear my Fed polo shirt to placement …I don’t really feel like a nurse”
    – Scrubs will be available for all Diploma of Nursing students in 2024.
  • “The layout of Moodle could be improved”
    – Our team of instructional designers have conducted a number of focus groups to hear directly from students, understand the user experience and identify what can be improved.
  • “The way some assessments are written are very confusing and overly complex”
    – We have provided professional development for our teachers and curriculum leaders to deliver more effective and engaging assessment tools.