Getting to know VET

The Australian vocational education and training (VET) system is a competency-based system that operates across secondary and post-secondary education sectors, in industry, and the community at large. It encompasses training delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs) and other providers that can lead to both nationally recognised qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and skill sets, as well as certifications or skills from training programs that are not nationally accredited but respond to local industry and community needs. Flexible pathways enable students to move in and out of education and training to acquire the skills and qualifications they need to enter the labour market and progress through jobs or transition to new or related occupations and courses. Apprenticeships and traineeships programs provide training for specific occupations.

VET is governed through both federal and state and territory governments. There are established arrangements for formal industry leadership, identifying and forecasting labour market and industry skill demands, developing and quality assuring training products (including training packages and accredited courses), regulating course accreditation and training providers, and implementing funding and financial policy. Formal mechanisms are in place for collecting and reporting data on training activity, student outcomes and provider performance. These arrangements enable government and industry to understand the quantum and quality of training and impending skill shortages and enable students to make useful career choices.