VET | VET |
VET Framework
In Australia, VET's foundation was laid in the mid to late nineteenth century, when mechanics' institutes, schools of mines and technical and working men's colleges were established to develop the skills of Australia's working population. For almost 100 years, training was largely for males working full time in traditional trade related industries. Today, VET is offered not only in the public system, but also through private and community training providers and in secondary schools and is equally taken up by both males and females. It can link to university study options, and provides up to six levels of nationally recognised qualifications in most industries, including high growth, new economy industries. The VET SystemAustralian, state and territory governments agreed in 1992 to have a national training system, replacing the separate state and territory systems. The Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) was established and a cooperative VET system with strategic input from industry was in place. In 2005 the responsibilities and functions of ANTA were transferred to the Australian Government Department of Employment, Education Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The new 2005 - 08 Commonwealth-State Agreement for Skilling Australia's Workforce, has now been signed by all States and Territories.
Under the agreement, the Australian Government will provide almost $5 billion to the States and Territories to support their training systems over 2005-08. The Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is recognised as among the most sophisticated in the world because it is:
The fundamental elements of the system are:
The Australian Qualifications FrameworkThe AQF defines all nationally recognised qualifications. It provides a single framework for all qualifications from Senior Secondary Certification to PhD. Within the VET sector the following qualifications can be issued:
Under the AQF, the achievement of a group of competencies leads to the attainment of a VET qualification. Only Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) can issue AQF qualifications and deliver accredited training and assessment. All training organisations must recognise AQF qualifications issued by other RTOs. This enhances mobility in the labour market. Australian ApprenticeshipsAustralian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and do not require any entry qualifications. You can be a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers. Australian Apprenticeships offer:
New Apprenticeships training has been designed by industry for industry. The training can be delivered on-the-job, off-the-job, or a combination of both. Off-the-job training is done with TAFE colleges, business colleges, Universities or other Registered Training Organisations. Around 400,000 Australian Apprentices are already in training around the country. It's a great way to get a head start on a career... and you're earning while you're learning. For more information visit the Australian Apprenticeships website (formerly New Apprenticeship Centre) Training PackagesTraining Packages provide the central ‘architecture' of the VET system. Training Packages are sets of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications for recognising and assessing people's skills. In industry areas where there are not yet Training Packages, accredited courses are used instead. Who pays?Governments provide around half the funds for the national training system - the other half comes from employers and learners themselves. |
Education is one of Northern Territory's best strategies to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability. Vocational Education and Training (VET) provides skills and knowledge for work, enhances employability and assists learning throughout life.
In signing the agreement, the Australian Government and all states and territories have also committed their support for the new ‘Framework for a new National Training System', which was developed after consultations with business, industry, providers and governments earlier this year.
New apprenticeships combine practical work with structured training to give people a nationally recognised qualification and the experience they need to get the job they want.