VET Qualification Reform

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What is VET Qualification Reform?

Australia needs a qualifications system that better supports the different users of VET and their diverse needs, and a system which consistently seeks to maximise the outcomes for learners and industry.

In June 2023, the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council noted that reforming VET qualifications is key to supporting workforce development and a stronger, more resilient and productive economy. Skills Ministers recommitted to important qualifications reform, agreeing to a VET qualifications system which:

  • is high-performing, easy to navigate, and meets the needs of employers and learners now and into the future;
  • supports innovation and excellence in training delivery and assessment;
  • supports safety and quality in training outcomes;
  • delivers an adaptable skilled workforce resilient to structural changes; and
  • supports more employers to use nationally recognised training.

To support this, Skills and Workforce Ministers established the tripartite Qualification Reform Design Group – with representatives from unions, employers, educators and state and territory governments.

The Design Group have provided initial advice to the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council in early March 2024 on how to make progress on improving VET qualifications design.

Qualification Reform Design Group

Members of the Design Group, appointed by the Hon Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training, are:

  • Mr Craig Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Skills Authority (Chair)
  • Ms Sarah Brunton, National Technical Officer, Electrical Trades Union
  • Ms Helen Cooney, Principal Policy Officer, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association
  • Ms Megan Lilly, Executive Director, Australian Industry Group
  • Mr Geoff Gwilym, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
  • Dr Margot McNeill, Chief Product and Quality Officer TAFE NSW, Education expert
  • Mr Mathew Pearson, Director – National Skills Reform, NSW Department of Education, State and Territory nominated representative.

Previous updates from the Design Group are available as listed:

Previous Consultations

Between September 2022 and March 2023, significant national consultation activities were undertaken with a broad range of VET stakeholders.

A summary of the consultation feedback is available at VET Qualification Reform.