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The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) was asked by TAFE Directors Australia to consider, in a discussion paper for their conference held on the Gold Coast in September 2009, how the trend towards an integrated tertiary sector impacts on the way NCVER thinks about its research and statistical activities. It has been apparent for some time that it makes little sense to consider vocational and higher education research issues in isolation. A research and information base covering the whole of the tertiary education sector would better reflect the realities of the system and provide a more coherent platform for policy. In addition, an integrated approach to statistical collections is desirable, taking into account the need for a common core set of standards and a unique student identifier to assist in the coherence of data. Show less

This publication brings together papers and summaries of presentations from the 2014 conference. The theme of 'Vision 2020' explored ways to increase productivity and 'create dangerously' by considering topics such as future labour markets, what makes a college a global partner, the imperative of having a digital technology strategy, what TAFE institutes will look like in the future, and cultivating an entrepreneurial culture. Four pre-conference workshops were offered: (1) UNESCO-UNEVOC regional forum; (2) future proofing your TAFE institute; (3) maintaining quality in a time of scarce resources; and (4) entrepreneurial leadership. Speakers from Australia, USA, UK, China, Hong Kong, India, and Indonesia addressed a range of issues including future labour markets, business and industry goals; international partnerships; adopting LEAN principles; reconceptualising higher education; integrating innovation into an organisation; using digital technology; moving from a learning organisation to an entrepreneurial institution; the vision for the public provider; and international [vocational education and training] VET regulatory benchmarking.

The conference sessions were: Future labour markets; Skill development: unpacking trends and predictions; The 'Lean' university and other projects; Innovations in learning; Education and innovation: an international perspective; Sydney TAFE and Multistrada Partnership; Developing global partnerships in TVET; Global partnerships: Overarching theme; The Belfast Metropolitan College experience; The issues: How will TAFE survive ... with industry?; Setting the scene; TAFE won't survive; Getting on the good foot: responding to the question, will TAFE survive?; VET funding in Australia and the role of TAFE; Marketplace; Diversified higher education – an international perspective; Shifting boundaries and the pursuit of prestige; Diversified higher education; Sustaining growth and prosperity through diversification; Designed to engage; Digital technologies and VET; VET reform update; Food for thought in regulating the VET sector; VET regulation: how does Australia compare?; Quality assurance in the VET sector in Hong Kong.

Excerpts from publication. Show less

This conference was designed around two key themes: (1) positioning TAFE to meet the challenges of the global marketplace; and (2) one tertiary sector: implications for domestic and international markets. Other issues addressed at the conference were: implications for skill development as Australia emerges from a global financial crisis; a coalescence of government reforms that may be rewriting fundamental aspects of vocational education in Australia; and concerns about a 'crisis' for international students in Australia. Underneath many of these issues was a question about the distinctive mission of TAFE in a complex and volatile landscape. The conference sessions were: Overview; Positioning TAFE: market design; Positioning TAFE: Australian Apprentices Task Force; Positioning TAFE: challenges and opportunities; Winning the skills race; TAFE/tertiary and its people: talent management; Education for the changing world of work: developing skills for the new economy; Towards a coherent tertiary education approach; One tertiary sector: a university perspective; One tertiary sector: opportunities and threats for TAFE; One tertiary sector: a Skills Australia perspective; One tertiary sector: an industry perspective; Stronger pathways between the sectors; Demand driven system: choice, diversity and competition; Demand driven system; A demand driven system: dual sector institution perspective; Demand driven: union perspective; TAFE in the new international landscape; An international education strategy; Engaging with education agents; Helping to enhance accommodation options for international students; e2e Net: new options for bridging training and employment. Show less

In this speech, presented at the TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) conference in Sydney on 2 September 2014, the author discusses the role of vocational education and training (VET) and highlights the need for a sustainable investment base for VET and a more coherent funding model across the tertiary education system in Australia. Show less