A major shake-up of Australia’s qualifications systems will allow senior secondary students to study subjects at school that count towards a vocational training qualification or university degree.
The findings of an expert review into the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was announced today by Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan, and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Senator, Michaelia Cash.
The report, chaired by Professor Peter Noonan, recommended “significant reforms” to “reinvigorate” the connection between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education.
In what is certain to be a game-changer for the nation’s qualifications systems, 'microcredentials' will be recognised to allow providers to offer short, highly-targeted courses to students and employers looking to fill a skills gap without getting bogged down in red tape.
The review, launched in 2008, set out to ensure Australian qualifications reflect the kinds of knowledge and skill levels which are increasingly in demand among graduates of all levels and across all sectors.
Federal Education Minister, Dan Tehan, said the government would consider the review and respond in due course.