Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector provides high-quality, nationally recognised training. The sector is supported by strong partnerships between the Australian Government and state and territory governments, registered training organisations and industry bodies. The Australian and state and territory governments provide funding, develop policies, regulate and quality assure the sector. Industry bodies and employers help shape training policies and priorities, in order to develop qualifications that can deliver skills to the workforce.

Australia’s VET sector is flexible, with multiple pathways to and from Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications. Modes of delivery include full-time, part-time, online education, distance education, apprenticeships and traineeships. Students can have competencies acquired through previous study and work experience assessed through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning, which is administered by each registered training organisation (see Vocational education and training admission pathways (page 35) of the Australia Country Education Profile (CEP)).

 

National Skills Commission

The National Skills Commission plays an important role in strengthening Australia’s VET system to align with its skills needs. It provides expert advice on Australia’s labour market and workforce skills needs to improve the quality, accessibility, and relevance of VET.

For more information, see www.nationalskillscommission.gov.au.

 

Vocational education and training courses and qualifications

Only registered training organisations (RTOs) can deliver nationally accredited VET. RTOs include public providers, such as Technical and Further Education Institutes (TAFEs), private providers, schools, enterprises, and higher education providers (commonly known as ‘dual sector’ providers). RTOs can deliver training from training packages and VET accredited courses.

VET is a competency-based system designed to deliver workplace-specific skills and knowledge for a wide range of skilled work and occupations. Nationally recognised training can lead to the following AQF qualifications:

• Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III and Certificate IV
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma
• Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma.