History

The AELC's Advantage program was first conceived in 2001 by Tracey Hodgkins as a professional development unit for business school students at Curtin University of Technology in Perth Western Australia. The program quickly grew into a University wide initiative through enthusiastic word of mouth and recognition by industry of the programs potential.

Advantage was built on the premise that students needed a method to actualise their degree learning and a way to prove their capability to employers on completion of their degrees. Industry and community organisations really just wanted work ready graduates.

We also believed that students in a variety of disciplines may need to start their own business as many leave and don't find employment. A survey we completed at this time and since confirm these assumptions and indicate that many students graduating from university are not successful in gaining employment in areas relating to their degree. Industry sectors were also consulted and a common concern emerged in that many graduating students were perceived as not having the personal and professional skills needed to succeed in a modern company environment.

A study by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with the Business Council of Australia in 2002 confirmed this gap between university teaching and learning programs and the needs of industry. The study supported the view that many of the professional skills businesses required needed to be acquired through re-designed student learning experiences.

The experiment was an unqualified success and the Advantage system is now available through the AELC to all universities, TAFE and school systems in Australia. The method is proven and the results are a win/win for the education system, industry, community and students everywhere.