Reform risks for Australian Vocational Education

Government education reform efforts typically aim improve the quality and effectiveness of the education system, but they also carry certain risks and challenges. This article considers common overall education reform risks and draws comparisons to the Australian VET sector.

Political interference: Education reform efforts often involve changes to policies, funding, and other aspects of the education system that can be influenced by political considerations. This can lead to reforms being implemented for political gain rather than for the benefit of students, teachers, and the education system as a whole.

Consider...

• Fee Free TAFE.
• Limiting microcredentials pilot funding to Universities only.
• Capping the volume of funding allocated to non-government providers.
• Lack of a new National Skills Agreement.
• Continuation of State VET regulators in WA & VIC.

Resistance to change: Education systems are complex and often involve many stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members. Any changes to the system can be met with resistance from those who are accustomed to the status quo or who may feel that the reforms are not in their best interest.

Consider:

• Lack of a new National Skills Agreement.
• Continuation of State VET regulators in WA & VIC.
• Resistance to expansion of short form training such as microcredentials.
• Resistance to online learning options, such as requirement for on-campus study.

Inadequate funding: Education reform efforts often require significant resources, including funding for training, new programs and initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. If there is not enough funding available to support these efforts, it can be difficult to implement and sustain reforms over the long term.

Consider:

• Lack of a new National Skills Agreement.
• Reduction of VET funding in real terms over decade 2009 - 2019.
• Removal of incentives for 'non-priority' programs in 2012 (and again planned for 2024).
• Capping of funding places for certain qualifications / courses.

Lack of support: Successful education reform requires the support and participation of key stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and students. Without sufficient buy-in and engagement from these groups, it can be difficult to implement reforms effectively.

Consider:

• Lack of stakeholder consultations in regulatory reform, such as WA TAC Credit Transfer advice or ASQA Phase 1 & 2 self-assurance consultations.
• Lack of detail & overall poor reaction to revised SRTO proposal and Training Package reform proposal.

Implementation challenges: Implementing education reforms can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to have a clear plan in place to ensure that reforms are implemented effectively. This can involve addressing logistical issues, training teachers and other staff, and making any necessary changes to infrastructure or other resources.

Consider:

• Status of AQF reform, funding reform, self-assurance regulatory reform, revised SRTO reform, VET data streamlining reform, training package reform...

Overall, education reform efforts at the government level carry a number of risks and challenges, but with careful planning and strong support, these efforts can lead to significant improvements in the quality and effectiveness of the education system.

Unfortuately for the Australian VET sector, careful planning and strong support seem to remain in short supply while political interference, inadequate funding and resistance to change continues in a multi decade trend.

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