The Standards Policy Framework paper presents the [National Skills Standards Council’s] NSSC’s position on the policy that underpins the reforms required to the current standards for the regulation of vocational education and training. The NSSC is a committee of the Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE), one of a number of Standing Councils that report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). A primary function of the NSSC is the development of national standards for regulation of vocational education and training for approval by SCOTESE. SCOTESE... [+] Show more
The Standards Policy Framework paper presents the [National Skills Standards Council’s] NSSC’s position on the policy that underpins the reforms required to the current standards for the regulation of vocational education and training. The NSSC is a committee of the Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE), one of a number of Standing Councils that report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). A primary function of the NSSC is the development of national standards for regulation of vocational education and training for approval by SCOTESE. SCOTESE asked that the NSSC, as a priority, undertake a broad ranging review of the standards for the regulation of vocational education and training, focusing on issues of quality. Standards are critical to the appropriate and effective regulation of vocational education and training, ensuring the integrity of qualifications awarded to learners and supporting the achievement of both improved productivity and social outcomes for all Australians. The NSSC’s review has confirmed the need to reform the existing standards for the regulation of vocational education and training. Based on an analysis of available evidence and extensive consultation, the NSSC found that there are many instances of excellent practice in registered training organisations (RTOs) across the country, leading to quality outcomes. However, the NSSC was also made aware of the growing concern that excellent practice is not systemic across vocational education and training, with current delivery highly variable in terms of quality of qualification outcomes. Effective regulation of vocational education and training is critical to the reputation of the sector; the confidence of industry and employers in the value of the qualifications issued by RTOs; and individual learners and employees having the skills to effectively perform in the workforce. This paper presents the NSSC’s Standards Policy Framework which it considers critical to ensuring consistent, high quality vocational education and training and the integrity and reputation of vocational qualifications awarded to learners. Subject to agreement by SCOTESE, the Standards Policy Framework will provide the basis upon which draft regulatory standards are developed for presentation to SCOTESE for endorsement later in 2013.
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