Australian, state and territory governments are working together to develop a new model for VET training products, including qualifications and skill sets, to ensure they are relevant to labour market needs.
On this page:
What are Qualifications Reforms?
Qualifications Reform seek to build upon the strengths of the existing VET system to ensure that Australia has a VET system that is fit-for-purpose – efficient, effective and easy to navigate, with a focus on transferable and relevant skills that enables learners to get jobs, and also supports upskilling and reskilling throughout their career.
In September 2022, the Jobs and Skills Summit brought Australians together to work on the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian labour market and economy. A key outcome of the Summit is reforming VET qualifications and micro-credentials (for example skill sets) to ensure they are relevant to labour market needs.
Australian, state and territory Skills Ministers subsequently met in October 2022 and agreed to consult on a proposed qualification model which could replace existing Units of Competency with a new training product architecture which includes:
- skill standards elevated to the job function level that reduce unnecessary prescription and duplication, and maximise skill transferability across industries; and
- training and assessment requirements to provide training providers with the information they need to deliver high quality, innovative training.
You can find out more on the proposed approach to qualification design by viewing the design and purpose of the proposed qualifications model, and the proposed training product templates and examples.
Public consultations are now open
On 15 and 16 February 2023, the department held two online public webinars for all interested individuals to learn more about the reform, including a proposed model, and to support feedback via the online survey. To allow more time for stakeholders to respond to the online survey, the end date has been extended to 5pm (AEDT) Friday 31 March 2023. Following is a recording of one of the webinars and a copy of the presentation, with a summary of questions and their corresponding answers.
Qualification Reforms Public Webinars – Details shared from 15 & 16 February 2023
We have endeavoured to provide answers to common question themes asked during the webinars, and stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback and suggestions via the survey.
Information about the design and purpose of the proposed model and templates and examples, are available for you to review and will help you answer survey questions.
Proposed VET Qualification Model - Online Survey
The online survey provides an opportunity for your feedback on the proposed VET qualification model. This public consultation is open to all interested individuals.
The online survey will close at 5pm AEDT, Friday 31 March 2023.
Next Steps
Consultations will continue on the proposed model and implementation and transition planning ahead of further consideration by Skills Ministers in 2023.