News and Opportunities
Queensland education delegation visits Colombia and Brazil
24 Sep 2013
A recent visit by a Queensland education and training delegation to Colombia and Brazil met with government representatives, local education institutions, industry associations, corporate clients and education agents in relation to ELICOS and vocational education and training opportunities. The visit was organised through the International Education and Training unit of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
The delegation comprised participants from Southern Cross University, Australian College of Information Technology, Careers Australia, Motor Trades Association of Queensland, SkillsTech Australia, Brown’s English Language School and Langports. The program ran from 27 August to 7 September and included visits to Bogota in Colombia and to Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
During the program in Colombia, which was fully organised by Austrade, participants received an overview of Colombia’s business environment by ANDI, the National Business Association, highlighting key industry sectors and opportunities. ANDI, which leads the Australia Colombia Business Group, was keen to develop pilot programs in conjunction with Australian institutions and Colombian businesses. The delegation also had very productive meetings with various representatives of the Colombian Government in relation to technical education.
By the conclusion of the visit, participants had developed a well-rounded view of the technical and vocational education sector in Colombia, both from a government and institutional perspective. A Memorandum of Understanding is being discussed in addition to plans to return to Colombia to capitalise on initial meetings and progress available opportunities.
The program in Brazil had a major focus on industry engagement, and participants had a chance to meet with industry associations and private and public VET institutions linked to Brazilian industry. The delegation also participated in a roundtable with several education agents who were very interested in knowing more about Queensland institutions and seeking greater representation. This particular activity was fully organised by the Austrade office in Brazil.
According to Patrick Hafenstein, Acting Principal Trade Officer, TIQ, the delegation’s trip was very successful and delegates could identify interesting opportunities in both markets.