Quality in the Australian VET sector: what has been happening?

Abstract

VET (vocational education and training) is a fascinating sector. Aligned closely with the labour market and sandwiched between two major sectors, it is continually buffeted by political winds, susceptible to the ideologies of different governments. Often labelled the ‘poor cousin’, debates continue to rage about its quality. This paper focuses on three questions: How has the VET sector been viewed in terms of quality? What does recent research say about quality in the VET sector? Can anything be done about it? In raising questions about the label ‘VET’, its vision and goals, its broad scope, who is driving, and the quality of teaching and training, the paper proposes five suggestions that could complement the main policy response of increased regulation. Given that much of the available evidence indicates quality of training as a significant issue, the paper concludes that the quality of the VET system is only as good as its teachers and trainers. Unless the quality of teaching, training and assessment is raised, quality in the VET system will continue to be an ongoing, serious concern that needs urgent attention.

Keywords:

• quality
• VET sector
• reform
• evidence
• teaching and training
• Australia

Acknowledgements

This paper has been developed from ideas embedded in an invited presentation to the National Conference of Australian College of Educators, What counts as quality in education?, Adelaide, 11–12 September 2014.