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This policy paper has been published by the Vice-Chancellors of Australia's six dual-sector universities (Charles Darwin University, CQUniversity, Federation University, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University). It has been developed to contribute to discussion about the future of Australian post-secondary education. The paper calls for: (1) reforms to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), particularly to support learner centred pathways across the continuum of AQF qualifications; (2) modernisation of vocational education and training (VET) qualifications so competencies focus on broad and future skills requirements; (3) a coherent funding framework for higher education and VET, spanning the roles of the Commonwealth and states and territories; and (4) extension of work-based learning including apprenticeships, into new industries and occupations in both VET and higher education through partnerships with firms, industries and the labour movement. Using the unique experiences of dual sector universities to understand Australia's tertiary system, the report features a range of case studies from each university demonstrating collaboration in qualifications design, delivery and assessment requirements, accreditation standards, system regulators approaches, public funding, income-contingent loans, and government accountability. The report indicates that a common policy framework would better meet the needs and opportunities of Australia's learners and workers in future, and replace sectors and institutions that have been historically separated by policy, jurisdiction and tradition.

Edited excerpts from Victoria University website. Show less

This paper has been prepared by the Vice-Chancellors of Australia's six dual-sector universities, in response to the Productivity Commission's recent Interim Report of the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development, and the JobTrainer announcements from the Federal Government in mid-July, which will surely inform the Commission's considerations. In this paper, the dual-sector universities provide both best practice examples of a collaborative and complementary post-secondary education system, while simultaneously highlighting the barriers which can prevent the seamless integration of programs and effective pathways. The paper offers suggestions for a more coherent tertiary education system and suggests policy settings which would enable dual-sector universities to deliver on their full potential.

Excerpts from publication. Show less