This article begins by describing the development in the late 1990s of national vocational education and training (VET) programs in schools and their impact on states and schools. The implementation approach adopted by Australian Technical Colleges, established in 2006, is also discussed. The impact of national VET programs in schools on senior secondary assessment, and the validity and reliability of national VET assessments are examined. National VET programs in schools have made a significant addition to the options available to senior secondary students and have also influenced...  [+] Show more

This article begins by describing the development in the late 1990s of national vocational education and training (VET) programs in schools and their impact on states and schools. The implementation approach adopted by Australian Technical Colleges, established in 2006, is also discussed. The impact of national VET programs in schools on senior secondary assessment, and the validity and reliability of national VET assessments are examined. National VET programs in schools have made a significant addition to the options available to senior secondary students and have also influenced assessment. The last section of the article discusses whether national VET programs in schools are necessary or desirable.

This article is part of a thematic edition of Vocal entitled ‘What works for vocational education and training in schools in terms of developing connections, building capacity and enhancing collaboration’. Articles are indexed from TD/TNC 94.144 to TD/TNC 94.150 and from TD/TNC 94.264 to TD/TNC 95.276.