Will a model of broader vocational outcomes promote greater transferability and better meet the future needs of industry and learners?

At the September Jobs and Skills Summit the Commonwealth committed to accelerating reforms to VET qualifications and micro-credentials to ensure they are most relevant to labour market needs. This is part of a broader skills reform agenda agreed by all governments.

The aim is to reduce complexity, proliferation and a perceived narrow prescription within national VET qualifications, as well as focus on quality outcomes. Discussions are occurring about a model which proposes Skills Standards, at a job function level - not a task level - as the new basis for VET qualifications.

Separate Training and Assessment Requirements would detail what is needed to train and assess the skills. Qualifications will support the skills and knowledge needs of a range of common job roles. It is intended that this separation will develop widespread transferability of skills more relevant to the labour market, and that there will be improved recognition of shorter forms of training.

• Will skills standards sitting across multiple industries and job roles work for industry, learners and training providers?
• How will the separation of accreditation and training documents promote transferability of skills?
• How would Registered Training Organisations need to change delivery practices to develop quality graduates under such a model?

Our guest discussed the proposed reforms and addressed these and other questions.

Presenters:

Mary Faraone, Chief Executive, Holmesglen Institute

Phil Clarke, General Manager, Industry Engagement Manager, IBSA Group

Chris Alach, Assistant Secretary – Qualification Reform, Dept of Employment & Workplace Relations

Host:

Megan Lilly, Executive Director, Centre for Education & Training, Ai Group