VET Products for the 21st Century report

July 28th, 2009 by swilson in Resources, Training

A Joint Steering Committee of the National Quality Council (NQC) and the Council of Australian Government’s Skills and Workforce Development Sub-Group has released the VET (vocational education and training) Products for the 21st Century (PDF 562KB) report.

The policy framework presented in the report, and its supporting recommendations, indicates broad support for the key pillars of Australia’s VET system: one single national system, with industry-determined outcomes relevant to work, reflected in nationally portable qualifications.

However, the report does signal some key areas of reform required to ensure Australian VET can accommodate the diverse needs of businesses, industry and individuals.

Recommended reforms include:

• the need to revise the current definition of ‘competency’ to embody the ability to transfer and apply skills and knowledge to new situations and environments
• a restructure and streamlining of training packages, including separating the performance standards from guidance and supporting information
• a full review of packaging rules as applied in training packages to ensure maximum flexibility and consistency within and across training packages and accredited courses
• establishment of a joint working group of the NQC and the Australian Qualifications Framework Council to investigate introducing a national credit system
• a stronger focus in VET products on preparatory and enabling qualifications, and language, literacy and numeracy requirements.

The Ministerial Council for Vocational and Technical Education has endorsed this policy framework, subject to three additional recommendations (see page 7 of the report) and the NQC has established the Framework Implementation Action Group (FIAG) to implement its supporting recommendations. For more information on FIAG visit www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/about_nqc/action_groups/framework_implementation

The NQC is committed to ensuring the VET sector is responsive and adaptable to the changing needs of industry, business and individuals and will oversee the implementation of the new framework.

To download the VET Products for the 21st Century report, visit www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/NQC_Publications (Select ‘VET Products for the 21st Century – Final Report’.)