For students in Orange, the hub is a place to study, relax and find out how to get the most out of their studies, either online or in person.

The Virtual Student Hub gives students access to support and course information, counselling, disability support, library services and much more.

TAFE Western Student Hubs manager Donna Polak outlined the purpose of the service, which aimed to provide support to students, in particular, those who studied by distance.

“The aim of the Virtual Student Hub is to provide our students with a one-stop-shop for important online support services, no matter their location or the time of the day,” she said.

“We feel that this easy-to-access hub will give our students, especially those studying remotely or off campus, unprecedented access to student engagement officers, online chat services, online tutorials, webinars and other necessary tools that will ensure they receive the absolute best learning experience.”

Mrs Polak said an upgrade of TAFE Western’s online services was necessary as more students took up remote learning alternatives.

“Every year enrolments in our award-winning remote learning program TAFE Western Connect (TWC) increase,” she said.

“Gone are the days when people want to be confined to the classroom for learning, and TWC gives students flexible options to tailor their learning around other things in their lives, including employment and family.

“With this continued increase in interest in TWC came the need for better online services. 

“We’re really proud to give our students access to this virtual hub and extend the face-to-face services offered.

“We believe it will offer easy access to important services for our students no matter where they are situated across our huge footprint.”

TAFE Orange student Jade Charnock said the launch of the new Virtual Student Hub would certainly help her get the most out of her studies at TAFE.

"The resources it provides are really good," she said.

"The iPads will come in handy because they're wireless and I can use them to access the internet.

"I've got a lot of information online, it means I can access it whenever or wherever I am, even from my laptop at home or at work."

The new Virtual Student Hub can be found at http://tafewestern.libguides.com/studenthub, or for more information phone 1300 551 288 or call into a college to visit a Student Hub.

For more information about TAFE Western Connect (TWC) learning options, visit www.tafewestern.edu.au or phone 1300 823 393.

bryson.ferreira@fairfaxmedia.com.au