The Review’s brief was to examine how the new entitlement model of training in Western Australian, Future Skills WA, was being implemented and areas which might warrant some modifications or development. First is the need for clarity around the ultimate design of the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Western Australia, a framework that would sit alongside the State Training Plan and clarify, for all parties, the State’s expectations of them and their role in the system. This includes whether the system is to remain partially managed but contestable; whether it will move... [+] Show more
The Review’s brief was to examine how the new entitlement model of training in Western Australian, Future Skills WA, was being implemented and areas which might warrant some modifications or development. First is the need for clarity around the ultimate design of the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Western Australia, a framework that would sit alongside the State Training Plan and clarify, for all parties, the State’s expectations of them and their role in the system. This includes whether the system is to remain partially managed but contestable; whether it will move to having private registered training organisations (RTOs) as the primary deliverers in areas of priority qualifications, with the State Training Providers responsible for delivery in thin markets; or whether it will move to be fully competitive.
The report proposes that quality and efficiency of delivery should be the paramount drivers for purchasing of training, not any ideological position about either public or private domination of the system. The importance of training delivery into thin markets and ‘equity’ markets is something raised almost universally in the submissions to this review, and it will be important for the State to clarify its position on who should undertake this delivery and how it will be funded. The positioning of the VET sector is also of concern to the sector, and there are strong grounds to develop a promotional strategy for VET in Western Australia, where the default position of many key decision makers is to value a university education more highly. This can impact upon decisions made about funding and supporting the VET system, from both the political and business sectors.
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