While Australia’s VET system has significant strengths and international standing, there are concerns that the system is overly complex and continues to face challenges, particularly in the areas of quality, responsiveness to industry, funding and regulatory burden.

In response to these concerns, Federal Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane has established a VET Reform Taskforce within the Department of Industry to talk to registered training organisations (RTOs), industry and employers, VET service providers and students about their views on the strengths and weaknesses of the VET system and their ideas for reform. The Government will also be working with the states and territories to reach a consensus on policies that affect the national training system.

To complement the initial workshops held in Canberra in February 2014, the Taskforce will be hosting workshops in each of the other capital cities throughout March 2014. The workshops are a great opportunity for employers, training providers and students to express their views. The purpose of the workshops is to discuss the current VET system and listen to ideas for potential future reform. Information on how to register for the workshops can be found on the VET Reform website www.vetreform.industry.gov.au

If you are unable to attend a workshop session but would still like to put your views forward, there are a number of other avenues available. A submission can be made to the VET Reform Taskforce via [email protected]. In addition, a series of webinars and a VET Reform LinkedIn group will be available in March 2014 to facilitate open discussions about the VET system. More information about these will be available on the VET Reform website shortly. The department is also available for general enquiries on 133 873 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.