Developments in skills and training….

08 Mar Developments in skills and training….

February and March saw several developments in the skills and training policy and legislation space. These include:

• On 7 February Minister O’Connor introduced The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment (Strengthening Quality and Integrity in Vocational Education and Training No. 1) Bill 2024, into Parliament. This legislation responds to integrity and quality issues in the VET sector. The legislation strengthens the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to act against fraudulent activity and RTOs that “circumvent regulatory requirements”.
• On 25 February 2024 the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education released the Australian Universities Accord Final Report. It contains 47 recommendations to improve access to tertiary education. The report proposes an ambitious target of lifting the share of the workforce with a VET or university qualification from the current 60% to 80%, and an expansion of Commonwealth Supported Places.
• The Standards for Registered Training Organisations Amendment (VET Workforce Support) Instrument 2024, which amends the Standards for RTOs came into effect on 1 March 2024. A key change is that the amendments will enable people who hold an education degree to be engaged as trainers and/or assessors. For details of key changes and FAQs see the DEWR website.