As a first step, the OTCD and TAFEs are enhancing the delivery of vocational qualifications. This includes engaging local industry in course and assessment design and developing leading-edge materials and assessment. Sharing these contemporary learning resources is key in the pursuit of excellence.
Vocational education, however, must be able to keep up with the rate of change in skills, to support emerging skills such as those arising from digitisation and climate adaptation and respond to the changing expectations of learners.
TAFEs, as Government entities and operating through OTCD, are set up to respond to these emerging skills and to support industry to adapt and grow. This also means TAFEs are a source of intelligence for ongoing learning for people already in work. The new model means TAFEs can take a lead role in developing accredited responses to new skill requirements.
Many stakeholders highlighted the lag in the development of national VET qualifications to meet current local needs. Victoria can lead the way in setting up new models to supplement national qualifications to design and deliver future skills and meet contemporary learning practices.
The OTCD and the TAFE Network, in collaboration with the VSA, will work within local accreditation arrangements operated by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) to support this.
This new approach also recognises shifts in the economy, as jobs move up the skills trajectory and need a combination of vocational and higher education approaches.
Building collaboration that uses the strengths of universities and TAFEs needs to be pursued. This will allow learners to move through vocational training and into higher education qualifications that are relevant to the workplace, based upon an understanding of the technical requirements of occupations.
Closer alignment of training with job forecasts and building on the specialisations of each institute, supplemented by high-quality private and community provider delivery, will support learners to achieve positive employment and further education outcomes.
The VSA will partner with the TAFE Network to develop education and training that delivers transferable skills, deeper knowledge and emerging skills.
With these changes, the TAFE Network will be at the cutting edge. It will teach skills aligned to industry development, with an ability to develop innovative approaches to accredited training. The network is also ideally positioned to provide the skilling support that will be needed across regional Victoria to deliver the infrastructure and operation of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Victoria 2026.
This could include targeted investment to bring on stream more virtual and immersive delivery to support vocational education for regional communities, workplaces and learners who prefer this mode of engagement in learning.
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