1. Australian Qualifications Framework Linkage of NQF, lifelong learning with employment systems in Australia, including recognition of prior learning Greg Clarke Tertiary, Skills and Productivity Group

2. Key features of the Australian training system
Strong industry leadership and engagement
Training qualifications developed by industry
Industry determines competencies (‘standards’) for each qualification
National qualifications framework

3. Guiding Principles Underpinning the Training System
The guiding principles that underpin the national training system are:
Industry and business needs, both now and for the future, drive training policies, priorities and delivery.
Better quality training and outcomes for clients are assured through more flexible and accelerated pathways.
Processes are simplified and streamlined and enhance national consistency.
Young people have opportunities to gain a wide range of lasting skills that provide a strong foundation for their working lives.
Training opportunities are expanded in areas of current and expected skill shortage. 3

4. AQF - National Qualifications

5. Lifelong Learning for Australia
Is cradle to grave
Embraces all forms of education
- primary, secondary, tertiary
- workplace and on-the-job
- private and recreational
Focuses on the individuals life course

6. Key issues for Australia
Elements
Is increasing
Participation in education
for VET and Higher Education
for attainment to year 12 or
VET equivalent
Regional & rural areas
Indigenous groups
Fewer opportunities
Have fewer prospects and
more problems

7. What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) involves the formal assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge that an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system.

8. RPL in Australia Provides a national qualifications standard
for recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Australian
Qualifications
Framework
(AQF)

9. Key Issues ─ RPL in Australia
Differences in understandings of terms
Impact of the Federal system on consistency of practice/funding
Differences in rationale for RPL
Need improved data collection, analysis and evaluation
No framework to determine optimal levels of RPL
Conflicting views about impact of funding on level and distribution of RPL in VET
Shortage of RPL assessors
Need for a culture shift to embed RPL into the system

10. Government responsibility for RPL
States & Territory
Governments
Regulation and delivery of education and training
Ministerial Councils
(MCVTE & MCEETYA)
C’Wealth
Government
Funding of education and training

11. Vocational Education and Training in Australia – Quality Assurance
PACKAGES
AUSTRALIAN
QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
FRAMEWORK
(AQTF)

12. Training Packages
Nationally endorsed competency standards, assessment guidelines and Australian Quality Framework qualifications
Developed by industry through national Industry Skills Councils

13. Australian Apprenticeships
Australian Apprenticeships offer:
A great way to get a head start in a chosen career.
Paid work and structured training that can be on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both.
‘Competency based’ which means you can complete your training faster if you reach the required skills level.
Existing skills and prior experience are recognised and course credit granted, potentially reducing formal training time. Available as full-time or part-time, also available part-time in many schools.
Leads to nationally recognised qualifications and skills which provide the basis for further education and training over the course of your working life.
A pathway from school to work.

14. Australian Apprenticeships
All Australian Apprenticeships translate to the Australian Qualifications Framework from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma.
Training content of Australian Apprenticeships is based on a system of training packages.

15. Industry Skills Councils
AgriFood Skills Australia
Community Services and Health
Construction and Property Services
Electro-Comms and Energy Utilities (Ee-oz)
Forestworks
Government and Community Safety (Government Skills Australia)
Innovation and Business (IBSA)
Manufacturing Industry Skills Council (Manufacturing Skills Australia)
Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council (Skills DMC)
Service Skills Australia
Transport and Logistics

16. Industry Skills Council Governance
ISCs are independent, not-for-profit companies which are managed by an independent board of directors.
The directors include representatives from employer associations, industry associations and unions.
The Australian Government fund ISCs and sets broad parameters that are required to meet specific roles in the national training system.
The Board then sets the more detailed directions for their ISC. This recognises that each industry is different and has different needs. 16

17. The Australian Government provides funding to ISCs to:
provide industry intelligence and advice to Skills Australia, government and enterprises on workforce development and skills needs;
actively support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of high quality training and workforce development products and services, including training packages;
provide independent skills and training advice to enterprises, including matching identified training needs with appropriate training solutions; and
work with enterprises, employment service providers, training providers and government to allocate training places.

18. Strengthened Role for Industry Skills Councils
The role of Industry Skills Councils has been expanded and strengthened as part of the Skilling Australia for the Future policy
Industry intelligence and advice on workforce skills development.
Independent skills and training advice to enterprises.
Core role in developing Training Packages and support materials remains.

19. Industry Skills Councils & Training Packages
Nationally endorsed training packages are developed by Industry Skills Councils or enterprises to meet the identified training needs of specific industries or industry sectors.
To gain national endorsement, developers must provide evidence of extensive consultation and support within the relevant industry area or enterprise.

20. Australian Qualifications Training Framework (AQTF)
Ensures national consistency in recognition of qualifications, and delivery of training.
Required RPL to be treated like an other assessment and is subject to audit and monitoring.
Assessment is to meet requirements of relevant Training Package or accredited course.

21. Legislative basis of AQTF
AQTF is underpinned by legislation enacted in each State and Territory
Enables individuals to have national recognition and portability of national qualifications and statement of attainment.
Different approaches in each State for providing State-wide policy frameworks for implementing RPL

22. Useful Websites National Quality Council
AQTF
Training Package Development Handbook
National Training Information Service
Training Package Development and Endorsement Processes 2008
Training.com.au
Training Work

23. Policy Recommendations
OECD Review Panel’s Policy Recommendations:
Develop a set of agreed national definitions of terms
More shared practice and collaborative research and evaluation between jurisdictions
A clearer and more widely understood rationale for RPL
Provide data on the long term impact of RPL on the individual or workplace including evaluations of RPL initiatives
Develop appropriate national RPL targets

24. Policy Recommendations
Develop a framework for analysing the effects of changes in RPL funding
Professional development and a culture shift among professional workforce
Embed RPL practice into the system by:
having champions of RPL in industry
providing modules on lifelong learning and RPL
promoting business success stories within industries
reinforcing public awareness
develop outreach activities – vocational guidance and systematic support

25. Current initiatives
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) RPL Agenda – In February 2006 agreed to improve the practice and take-up of RPL and streamline RPL process
The Australian Qualifications Framework Council (AQFC) – developing common terms and definitions on credit transfer and articulation
Skilling Solutions Queensland

26. Questions? Further contact details: Greg Clarke Branch Manager
Tertiary, Skills and Productivity group
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Canberra, Australia or