WHEN Corey Beckers was in high school, he wasn’t sure he would complete year 12, let alone get a tertiary education.
But the Wyndham Community and Education Centre TAFE student is now considering undertaking a bachelor of education, after Ballarat University agreed to offer the course through the centre.
WCEC chief executive Jennie Barrera and Ballarat University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Andy Smith signed a memorandum of understanding last Friday, allowing the course to start in Wyndham next year.
Mr Beckers, who completed VCAL through the centre and is now studying certificate III in childhood services, said the partnership would mean a great deal to WCEC students.
He began studying at the centre on the advice of his high school principal.
“I was looking forward to high school but when I got there, I was bullied every single day. I used to wag a lot because of all the bullying and eventually my parents found out.
“I spoke to the principal at my mainstream school and he suggested [WCEC]. I have been a different person ever since.”
Professor Smith said the university was working with community groups in Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs to give students more higher education options.
Ms Barrera said the partnership would give more Wyndham students the confidence to get a degree.
