|
VET News
Wednesday 29th of January 2026
|
|
|
Hello and welcome to VET News,
I am pleased to let you know that our CRICOS Policies, Procedures and Forms have now been released and are available through our website.
Many of you have been waiting for this package for some time. While we originally hoped to finalise this work earlier, the scope and complexity of the CRICOS framework meant the development process took longer than anticipated. We took the time to get it right, and I am very proud of the final product. The package has been designed to provide a clear, integrated policy framework for providers operating under ESOS and CRICOS.
These CRICOS policies are not a standalone product. They have been developed as a supplement to our core RTO Policies and Procedures and are intended to work together as a single framework. For that reason, the CRICOS package is available to organisations that hold a current licence to Version 8 of the Newbery Consulting RTO Policies and Procedures. These products can also be purchased together.
I have also published a new article on our website titled Strategies vs Practice. In this article, I explore an issue we see repeatedly when working with training organisations, the gap between what policies say and what is actually happening day to day. With the National Regulator now placing much greater emphasis on comparing documented strategies with real practice, this alignment has become critical. The article unpacks why this shift has occurred, how audits expose misalignment very quickly, and what good organisational control looks like in practice.
Finally, a brief reminder of two important regulatory obligations that are approaching early in the year. Now is a good time to review your organisation’s details on the National Training Register and ensure your details on ASQAnet are current. It is also timely to turn your attention to AVETMISS reporting. Total VET Activity data for 2025 must be submitted to the NCVER by 28 February 2026. We strongly encourage organisations, particularly fee-for-service RTOs, to run trial reports now to identify and resolve any data issues well before the deadline. In 2025, the National Regulator imposed significant fines on organisations that failed to meet this reporting obligations, making early action critical.
Please don’t be one of those clients contacting me to get advice on how to respond to an issued breach notice and fine. Get onto it early.
Good training,
Joe Newbery
|
|
|
|
Compliance & Regulatory News
|
|
|
|
|
The 2026 Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC)
The 2026 Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC) will open on 3rd March 2026 and close on 31st March 2026. The ADC confirms that your RTO has systematically monitored compliance with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, including Outcome Standards and Compliance Requirements, reporting any issues and how they were addressed.
Beyond regulatory obligations, the ADC demonstrates your RTO’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
For the 2026 ADC, providers must declare compliance with the 2025 Standards (effective 1 July 2025). ASQA’s Practice Guides, with embedded self-assurance questions, support understanding of these requirements. Providers should review these alongside the legislation; the previous Self-assessment Tool is no longer required.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fit and Proper Person Requirements Declaration
4th December 2025
The National VET Regulator Instrument 2025 is now in effect, introducing updates to the Fit and Proper Person Requirements (FPPRs). RTOs must ensure all staff involved in VET delivery meet these requirements.
All governing persons—executive officers, high managerial agents, or anyone with control or influence over RTO operations—must complete a Fit and Proper Person Declaration. Declarations are required for initial registration, renewal, when appointing a new governing person, and at any time if requested by ASQA.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuition Protection Service (TPS) Levy 2026
The TPS Advisory Board has provided its final advice to the TPS Director regarding the settings for the 2026 International TPS Levy.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 RTO and ESOS Obligations Planners now available
6th January 2026
These downloadable and printable planners include practical checklists to help you stay on top of your reporting and compliance requirements throughout 2026, along with links to additional resources to support ongoing compliance.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AVETMISS Reporting 2025
Reminder for RTOs submitting fee-for-service annual data
The collection period opens on 1st January 2026 till 28th February 2026 for RTOs submitting fee-for-service annual data.
While the 2025 annual submission window remains open until Saturday, 28th February 2026, please note that NCVER’s Client Services team will only be available until 5:00pm (ACDT) on Friday, 27th February 2026.
If your fee-for-service data is submitted through a state training authority, please confirm their specific submission dates directly with them.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Schedule of Training Product Development
5th of January 2026
The new schedule provides a comprehensive overview of current training product development activity, including projects and qualifications being progressed by Jobs and Skills Councils, keeping you informed about upcoming changes in the national training system.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms now published
Safe Work Australia has released a new model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms, providing practical guidance on managing health and safety risks associated with EWP use.
Elevating work platforms (EWPs) are powered mobile plant used to raise or lower people and equipment. The new Code supports employers and duty holders to meet their safety obligations by outlining common risks, effective control measures, and guidance on inspection, maintenance, and safe operation.
This model Code replaces the previous guides on managing risks and inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apprentice and trainee completion rates 2024 Statistical report
11th December 2025
The Apprentice and Trainee Completion Rates 2024 report shows mixed results across occupations. Trade apprenticeship completion rates continue to rise, with 58.2% of the 2018 cohort completing within six years, driven largely by gains in construction trades and improvements for some priority groups.
In contrast, non-trade completion rates have declined again, falling to 48.7% for the 2020 cohort after four years, with notable decreases among females, Indigenous students, regional learners, and managers.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employers’ use and views of the VET system 2025 Statistical report
15th December 2025
Employers’ Use and Views of the VET System 2025 draws on responses from 5,649 employers surveyed between March and July 2025. The findings show growing engagement with nationally recognised training, rising to 32.1% in 2025 from 19.9% in 2019. More employers are turning to TAFE, with usage increasing to 26.2%, while private providers remain the most used at 49.1%.
The report also highlights VET’s opportunity in workforce upskilling as AI adoption accelerates. Nearly 40% of employers now use AI at work, yet most AI training occurs informally, signalling strong potential for expanded VET-led AI skills development.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building cultural safety in RTOs and supporting engagement with First Nations students
Ninti One, a First Nations–owned not-for-profit, has partnered with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to develop resources that support First Nations peoples into clean energy careers and help RTOs create culturally safe learning environments.
The resources offer practical tools applicable across industries, including an RTO guide with actionable strategies for student induction, mentoring, wraparound support and embedding cultural safety in training delivery and organisational practices.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fee-free TAFE program snapshot
Under the Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement, the Commonwealth Government, in partnership with states and territories, is providing more than $1.5 billion to support 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) places nationwide between 2023 and 2026. This snapshot presents enrolment and completion data from 1 January 2023 through to the current reporting quarter. It includes visualisations and sector-level insights, highlighting the top five courses by enrolments and completions.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VET student outcomes 2025
17th December 2025
This report summarises the outcomes of students who completed nationally recognised vocational education and training delivered by registered training organisations in Australia in 2024, based on survey data collected in 2025.
The VET Student Outcomes 2025 report shows that VET continues to deliver positive results for students. Most graduates achieved their main training goal (86.7%) and were satisfied with their training (89.3%). While 62.4% reported improved employment outcomes and 32.6% progressed to further study, both figures were lower than in 2024, reflecting broader labour market conditions.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apprentices and trainees: June quarter 2025
18th December 2025
Apprentices and Trainees 2025: June Quarter presents a national overview of apprentice and trainee activity, with quarterly and annual data available by state and territory.
With apprentices and trainees in-training, as of 30th June 2025, there were 307,080 active apprentice and trainee contracts across Australia, with nearly three-quarters in trade occupations. Compared with 30 June 2024, total in-training contracts fell by 11.3%, with trade contracts down 7.3% to 221,510 and non-trade contracts down 20.2% to 85,550.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical time-series of apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia from 1963 to 2025
18th December 2025
This time series provides an overview of apprenticeship and traineeship activity in Australia from 1963 to 2025.
The accompanying data tables present training activity at three levels of detail:
- 1963–2025: In-training, commencement, completion, and cancellation/withdrawal figures by state and territory and by trade occupation.
- 1995–2025: Detailed comparison of activity in trade and non-trade occupations.
- 1996–2025: Apprentice and trainee training rates by 2-digit occupation and by state and territory.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Learning that works:
Skills for today and tomorrow
November 2025
Employer investment in work-related training is substantial and continuing to grow. In 2023, more than one-third of the Australian workforce participated in work-related training, accounting for over 183 million hours. However, amid global competition, workforce shortages and subdued productivity, there is scope to do more. Employers, governments and individuals all share responsibility for both the costs and the benefits of work-related training.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Occupation and Industry Profiles
14th January 2026
Understanding Australia’s fastest-growing occupations and industries helps inform career choices, training investment and workforce planning. Recent JSA data shows Aged and Disabled Carers as the fastest-growing occupation, while demand for Accountants also rose strongly.
Industry growth was led by Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services, while Health Care and Social Assistance recorded the largest employment increase overall. These trends highlight where future workforce and training efforts are best focused.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial supports for Australian Apprentices and their employers continue from 1st January 2026
From 1st January 2026, the Australian Government will continue financial support through the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP).
Eligibility:
Employers with apprentices in KAP-designated occupations.
Payments:
Eligible employers can receive up to $5,000, paid in two instalments during the apprentice’s first year.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Jobs and Skills Australia 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) Stakeholder Survey is now open
The Jobs and Skills Australia 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) Stakeholder Survey is now open and will close at 5:00 pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, 18th March 2026. Stakeholders are invited to contribute.
Responses will provide valuable insights into recruitment challenges and occupations experiencing shortages across the Australian labour market, helping ensure the 2026 OSL is informed by comprehensive evidence.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reports, Articles, Papers and Research
|
|
|
|
|
Focus on… Microcredentials: beyond COVID-19
Microcredentials are short courses designed to help individuals build skills in targeted, work-related areas. Focus on… last examined microcredentials in 2018; however, their uptake has accelerated significantly since COVID-19 as training systems adapt to a changing workforce. This growth reflects shifts in how learning is delivered, accessed and used, driven by technological advances, economic recovery, remote work, changing skills demand, greater access to education, flexible delivery options and affordability.
Focus on presents recent research on microcredentials, examining access, opportunities and outcomes, governance and frameworks, and their value in the labour market.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Teacher Professional Learning
Drawing Upon International Practice for a Future Vision for Ukraine
This publication provides an overview of teacher professional learning across all career stages, from entry into the profession through to ongoing development and excellence. It explores four key policy priorities: teacher selection and preparation, career structures that reward excellence, effective delivery of professional learning, and the infrastructure needed to support learning across schools. Drawing on OECD and broader research, it highlights policy examples from different systems and concludes with insights from Ukraine, offering lessons for strengthening teacher professional learning and policy environments.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital Education Outlook 2026
19th January 2026
The report highlights the potential of generative AI to usher in a new era of education tools, including dialogue-based AI tutors and teaching assistants that support teaching practice while respecting teacher autonomy.
The Digital Education Outlook presents the OECD’s analysis of emerging digital technologies in education and identifies which tools are proving most effective.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Training Packages Updates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Register interest in the ‘Strengthening teaching capability in diverse learning environments’ workshops
February – March 2026
Various Locations
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is conducting in-person workshops to explore:
- Managing and supporting a diverse learning environment including psychosocial impacts
- Supporting educators to build upon their teaching practices
- Implementing new teaching skills: moving from theory to practice
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TDA Convention 2026 | Power of TAFE
5th–7th May 2026
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
TDA Convention 2026 – Power of TAFE is Australia’s premier national event celebrating the impact, innovation and strength of TAFE in the education and training sector. TDA Convention 2026 will bring together leaders, educators, policymakers and industry partners to explore how TAFE powers skills, jobs and innovation for Australia’s future.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VET National Teaching & Learning Conference
13th – 14th August 2026
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Convenor: VET Development Centre
For over 20 years, the VET Development Centre has proudly delivered one of Australia’s premier teaching and learning conferences for the Vocational Education and Training sector. Building on this strong tradition, the upcoming conference will feature high-profile keynote speakers, dynamic presentations, panel discussions, concurrent interactive workshops, and research sessions.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National VET Conference
29th – 30th October 2026
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
The 2026 National VET Conference will offer a diverse program of plenary and concurrent elective sessions. Under the theme ‘Forging a Trusted Future’, the conference will provide valuable professional development opportunities, access to product and service providers, and the chance to connect and network with peers from across Australia.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
