The new VET professional?

In this article, the author reflects on the changing role of the vocational education and training (VET) professional. He argues that TAFE teachers are witnessing the beginning of a radical transition in their profession because of the following factors: the changing nature of work, including technological change, and the subsequent challenge for TAFE teachers in keeping up to date with current vocational expertise in their teaching area; the commodification of the curriculum, where non-professional trainers are delivering pre-packaged programs; increased competition with private training providers, who commonly employ non-degree qualified trainers; the cultural shift in TAFE from public service to private enterprise; the blurring of the boundaries between school and TAFE teachers; and a paradigm shift in education where learning has moved from educational institutions to the workplace, with a new focus on the learner. The possibility of a new professional identity for the VET professional is discussed, along with teacher training and professional development issues. There is a reply to this article from Kevin Heys, Head of Studies at South Western Sydney Institute's Granville College.

In this article, the author reflects on the changing role of the vocational education and training (VET) professional. He argues that TAFE teachers are witnessing the beginning of a radical transition in their profession because of the following factors: the changing nature of work, including technological change, and the subsequent challenge for TAFE teachers in keeping up to date with current vocational expertise in their teaching area; the commodification of the curriculum, where non-professional trainers are delivering pre-packaged programs; increased competition with private ...  [+] Show more