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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.