VET in the Next Decade: Options and Opportunities Presentation to the 2010 CEET Conference Virginia Simmons A.O.

Overview VET as a sector A new tertiary sector The post-election environment

The VET Market 4,500 RTOs – schools, universities, enterprise RTOs, community providers, other private RTOs, 59 TAFE’s Open, ‘light touch’, regulatory environment Issues with effective regulation – resourcing, policy Wide variations in performance Poor quality of some private RTOs a key factor in damage to international student market High performing providers distancing themselves from the sector

The HE Market Total of less than 200 HE providers - 39 Universities – 37 public, 2 private Total of 44 self-accrediting HEPs Many niche providers e.g Theology Protection of the title ‘university’ in law Strict regulatory framework Reputation less damaged by failure of international student market

VET and HE Marked difference in government policy: – VET Market: costs driven down – HE Market: costs contained Differences in reputation – VET : severely damaged domestically and internationally ( slow recovery) – HE: damage, but not irretrievable Issues for establishment of teriary sector

VET: A Sector? Blurred identity Convergence with schools and HE – re-emergence of secondary and tertiary VET Disparate providers – mission, size, scope, quality Highly differentiated learner cohorts Industry, student, provider or government led Differences between states Damaged image

Tertiary: Bradley’s Vision Equal value given to VET and HE Recognition that institutions may have a primary mission in one sector and still offer qualifications in another A shared and coordinated information base and approach to anticipating labour market, industry and demographic needs Capacity for the whole system to provide an integrated response to workforce needs for industries and enterprises, inc in outer metro and regional areas An efficient regulatory and accountability framework Clearer and stronger pathways between the sectors

A New Tertiary Sector New, extended national tertiary protocols Alignment of VET/HE governance arrangements Integrated regulatory framework (TEQSA, NVR) Coordinated information and data collection Funding equity Research, scholarship, industry relevance Qualifications architecture Pathways and credit transfer

Tertiary Institutions Dual sector universities Institutes Vocational and Higher Education Providers – public and private Universities with colleges and/or RTO status Polytechnics ( different models) ‘Omniversity’ – Canberra (HE, TAFE, schools, private sector) Supra-universities Other new TAFE/HE partnerships e.g. Deakin, Monash Franchise arrangements

Post-election Environment Reaffirming of ambitious government/COAG targets: By 2020, double the number of higher qualifications completions (Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas) By 2020, 20% of HE students at undergraduate level will be domestic students from low SES backgrounds By 2025, 40% of all year old will hold Bachelor or above qualification Reaffirming of student-centred funding Increased importance of regions Regional Education Plans – universities, TAFEs and schools

Drivers: 2011 & beyond Achievement of targets Improved pathways Provider partnerships Demand-driven funding Meeting labour market requirements/skills shortages Importance of regions International student fall-out

Regional Emphasis Nationally: Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) Structural Adjustment Fund Education Infrastructure Fund Regional Loading Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund Compacts Research income? Parliamentary Committee for Regional Australia

New Regional Emphasis State level – e.g. Victoria: Forthcoming election Victorian Tertiary Education Plan – Chapter 7 addresses regional issues Tertiary Education Access Plan – Regional Access a key priority Review of Skills Reforms, August attacked for failing to address regional issues “Overall, regional TAFEs have experienced more challenges in transitioning to the new VET market than metropolitan TAFEs.” (page 9)

Benefits of a Tertiary Sector Greater chance of government targets being met More flexible options for students Better match between tertiary offerings and labour market needs More efficient use of resources Chance to restore Australia’s image internationally

Future Trends - Summary Policy and funding emphasis on education with strong regional focus More new, innovative partnerships esp. between TAFEs and universities - aimed at achievement of targets Possible reduction in total no. RTOs - survival and strengthening of reputable private RTOs Re-configuration of VET

… Thank you …