Third Space staff in tertiary education – who’s there and what do we do?

There’s a growing cohort of staff in tertiary education institutions in Australia and around the world, and we’re called ‘third space’ staff. We do not fit neatly into the traditional categories of academic or professional staff, and our work spans across both these categories.

As the tertiary education sector grows and changes, a wide variety of new roles are emerging. They combine the expertise that is expected of academic roles and the technical and organisational skillset of professional roles. Welcome to the Third Space!

If you are in one of the following jobs, you are part of the Third Space:

·?????? Learning/education designer

·?????? Learning/education technologist

·?????? Lab & other technicians

·?????? Learning & teaching librarians/liaison librarians

·?????? Academic support/study skills

·?????? Employability/work-integrated learning

If you spend a lot of time explaining to colleagues, family or friends what your job is, and you’re met with quizzical expressions and blank looks, you’re not alone. More importantly, you have a place with us in the Third Space.

NTEU is currently surveying Third Space in the Australian tertiary education sector to learn more about your working conditions and take action on issues such as job security, career progression and respect for your specialised skills and expertise.

Take the survey now! https://bit.ly/thirdspaceNTEU

If you are an NTEU member and you want to get involved with the Third Space Working Group (convened by me), drop me a line: [email protected]

If you’re not a member, join today!