Global Trends and Local Bends: Australian Vet Developments

Abstract

This article explores how Australian governments have responded to global trends for reform of vocational education and training and the pressures for change. Australian VET policy is changing as a consequence of three interrelated factors: the need for VET to develop a sectoral identity in relation to the school and higher education sectors; the interplay of state and federal government relations; and, challenges to the current ‘industry-driven’ paradigm for the sector. There is pressure for VET to move beyond the current framework where VET is regarded principally as an instrument of micro-economic reform, to a broader and more inclusive role. The extent to which change is possible is limited however, by the mandated requirement that all VET qualifications remain within the framework of competency-based, industry-derived national training packages, which are similar to the National Vocational Qualifications in the UK.