Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system provides pathways for new entrants to the labour market, further training for those in employment or seeking a career change, and provides a pathway to higher education. VET, often referred to as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries, provides individuals with the skills required in a modern economy and delivers training that is practical and career-oriented. Australia's VET system is highly advanced, following a decade of continuous reform.
Australia’s VET system providers offer a wide range of training options including courses in the popular fields of information technology, business studies, design, marketing, hospitality and tourism. Many institutes also provide Foundation Studies for entry to university.
A VET qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) can provide the foundation for progressing into higher level Australian Diploma and university Bachelor degree courses.
In the regulated VET system, qualifications are delivered by Registered Training Organisations, which include public institutions, called TAFE institutes, and private colleges.
Australian VET qualifications are designed to provide students with the competencies that employers have identified as critical to their needs. Australia’s “national competency standards” represent the skill requirements for occupations in a modern economy. Students graduate when they achieve the set competency standards.
Vocational education and training quality arrangements are known as the National Training Framework, which comprise the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) and endorsed national industry Training Packages. The National Training Framework underpins the VET system to enable consistent, high quality training and assessment to be delivered and recognised across State/Territory boundaries. As with the higher education sector, the quality assurance arrangements underpinning the VET sector involve key stakeholders in order to ensure nationally consistent and quality training outcomes.
