The National Training Reform Agenda

1. The National Training Reform Agenda • Key aims of the Agenda are to: • promote a flexible and cohesive vocational education and training system • balance the provision of broad education and training • create a more highly skilled and adaptable workforce • increase the competitiveness and productivity of Australian industry through industry responsive reform of the vocational education and training system

2. The NTRA • Reforms at the time were driven by: • demands for training and skills development at all levels of the workplace • development of a training market that increased choice and improved efficiency • an emphasis on demonstrated competence rather than on length of training

3. The NTRA continued…. • greater flexibility in the delivery of training • development of nationally consistent training standards and credentials • improved access to training for disadvantaged groups • improved transferability and articulation of courses between institutions

4. Background • International Competitiveness • Industry Restructuring • Workplace Reform

5. Workplace Reform • participative and team based approach • greater delegation of authority • emphasis on efficiency and productivity • examples of best practice • development of career structures • availability of individuals’ learning opportunities • customer-focused and response to changing national and international marketing conditions

6. Targets Competency Standards

7. Competency Standard • The specification of the knowledge and skill and application of that knowledge and skill across industries or within an industry to the standard of performance required in employment.

8. Key competencies • organising information • communicating • planning and organising activities • working with others in teams • using mathematical ideas and techniques • solving problems • using technology.

9. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) • The AQF covers qualifications issued by the secondary schools sector, vocational education and training providers (including TAFE and other registered providers) and higher education institutions (mainly university)

10. Common language

11. AQF Qualifications

12. The Pathways Concept

13. Qualifications

14. What are the benefits of AQF? • A national framework • Recognition of different education and training pathways • Reflection of the changes in vocational education and training

15. National Framework for the recognition of training • This means that courses and training programs offered anywhere in Australia can be part of a national system. Individuals undertaking these courses will have their skills recognised nationally. The framework allows for • Accreditation of courses • Recognition of training programs • Registration of providers to offer accredited courses and recognised training programs.

16. Accreditation Process • 1. Identify Industry, Enterprise or Community Training need • 2. Qualifications • 3.Access and Pathways • 4.  Flexible Learning • 5.Articulation and Credit Transfer • 6.Customisation of Courses • 7.Assessment • 8.Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

17. AQF Advisory Board