Learning Network Queensland was established in 1989 to expand the range of education and training opportunities offered to rural, regional and remote Queensland students from TAFE and Universities.
- Delivers State and Australian Government funded programs to marginalised learners
- Offers ‘fee for service’ courses and mobile technology for training across Queensland.
- Gives referrals and advice on education and training for communities
- Offers University bridging programs by distance across Australia and overseas
- Learning and support services
- My Learning Short Course Collection (previously ACE short courses) – run locally, online or via distance
- Entry-level accredited and non-accredited training programs
- Remedial support for local students (literacy, technology, study skills)
- Study support for online/distance students
- Exam supervision (for universities, TAFE and other providers)
LNQ started as a support network for distance education students in 1989 with funding from the Department of Education and Training, Office of Higher Education. The facilities and technology were a valuable resource for students studying away from their institutions. Distance Education students were able to access the centres and technology 24 hours a day to assist them with their studies. The advance of technology into homes saw a gradual decline in numbers over the next few years as students had access to their own computers.
For LNQ centres to continue operating in a financially sustainable manner, funds were sourced that enabled the delivery of basic computer training to members of the local communities where the centres were located.
In 1999 LNQ became a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and applied to have accredited training programs included on their Scope of Registration. The focus of LNQ shifted to allow it to be more responsive to community needs with the delivery of accredited and non-accredited training through federal and state government funded projects.
LNQ had a number of centres that were located throughout Queensland with a network that spread through regional and remote areas of the state. These 30 centres have embedded themselves into local communities and have become important community resources for information, advice, support, education and training. LNQ is recognised both nationally and internationally as a best practice example of education and training service delivery for regional, rural and remote communities.
On the 1st September 2007, LNQ became a business unit of Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) under the TAFE Open Learning Services (TOLS) auspice.
In September 2011 with changes to funding and delivery of vocational training programmes in the workplace and not in a classroom, LNQ transitioned from centre operations to a mobile delivery model.
The Head Office for LNQ is located at 52-54 Manning Street, South Brisbane and is the administration, technical and business supporting mechanism for the day to day running of the organisation.