mmg.com.au

Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE chief executive Maria Simpson said organisational changes would not impact the classes it offered.

BRIT has replaced its campus manager with a new role which is designed to manage the campus’ teaching staff.

Residents discussed concerns about the role change at Tuesday night’s Campaspe Shire Council meeting.

Ms Simpson said while the change would not impact classes, a lack of interest in some subjects could lead to class cuts this year.

‘‘The new role is a manager for the teaching staff, which makes up the majority of staff at the Echuca campus,’’ she said.

BRIT wants to expand services offered at its Echuca campus.

Ms Simpson said while cooking was strong, apprenticeship and trade courses were not as popular.

She said while BRIT was still taking enrolments, low numbers could mean classes were scrapped.

‘‘There is a figure; we need to be able to pay for the cost of materials, the cost of the teacher and other costs associated with running a business. If the enrolments do not cover the cost of the class, we then need to look at not running it,’’ she said.

Ms Simpson said many Echuca-Moama students could use the Echuca campus as a pathway into university studies, without having to leave the region.

‘‘We are working with Latrobe University to develop a smooth transition into degree courses. We are also in negotiation with University of Ballarat to offer its Bachelor of Management degree at TAFE,’’ she said.

‘‘Echuca is a growing area and we would like to be able to expand the services we can offer, but we are urging the Echuca community to show its support.’’