This keynote address to the 8th AVETRA Conference examines how the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) has made a difference to the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system, as context for conference discussions around research priorities. The current VET system and the legacy left to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) by ANTA are described, including an industry-led VET system, a national quality framework, and a robust research culture. ANTA's research in the areas of skills shortages, industry training needs, the high level... [+] Show more
This keynote address to the 8th AVETRA Conference examines how the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) has made a difference to the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system, as context for conference discussions around research priorities. The current VET system and the legacy left to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) by ANTA are described, including an industry-led VET system, a national quality framework, and a robust research culture. ANTA's research in the areas of skills shortages, industry training needs, the high level review of training packages, assessment, flexible learning, equity, teaching and learning, and human resource development are outlined. ANTA's view on what needs to be the focus for a strong national system is highlighted. This view encompasses several directions including boosting industry leadership, building the capability and quality of training providers, working towards the next generation of training packages, completion of the legislation underpinning the national system, and cementing the Industry Skills Councils as a key mechanism for industry advice on products and skills needs. Many of these directions have been affirmed in DEST's direction paper, 'Skilling Australia: new directions for vocational education and training' (indexed at TD/LMR 85.657).
Available papers from the 8th Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) Conference, 'Emerging futures: recent, responsive & relevant research', are indexed from TD/TNC 81.564 to TD/TNC 81.610.
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