|
|
|
VET News
Wednesday 28th of October 2026
|
|
|
Hello and welcome to VET News,
I think we can all acknowledge that the past four or five years have been a particularly difficult period for the VET sector, especially for private training providers. For many, it has felt like one challenge has followed another. Enrolment enquiries have softened, operating costs have continued to rise, government funding opportunities have become increasingly difficult to access, and employers have been more cautious about committing to training. I know that many providers have worked incredibly hard just to maintain the businesses they have spent years building. These are not easy circumstances, and I think it is important that we acknowledge them. However, I also believe there are good reasons to be optimistic about what lies ahead, provided we recognise that the next period of growth may look quite different from those we have experienced in the past.
We are certainly experiencing challenging economic conditions, and I believe there are reasons to expect that some of these pressures will ease as the economy improves and maybe get a change in government. However, I also think we need to recognise that the next period of economic growth may not necessarily restore the training markets we have relied upon in the past. Government funding priorities have changed, access to subsidised training has become more restricted for many providers, and the nature of work itself is beginning to change considerably. Artificial intelligence, automation and robotics are already influencing how businesses operate, and I expect the pace of this change to accelerate over the next five years. These developments will alter the skills employers require, create new demands for workforce development and potentially change the way training is purchased and delivered.
While there are genuine challenges ahead, I also see considerable reasons for optimism. Training providers have established capabilities, practical expertise and industry relationships that will remain valuable. The opportunity is to build on these strengths by developing a deeper understanding of how our industries are changing and identifying where we can help employers develop the capabilities of their existing workforces. I think now is an important time to get out and talk to industry. Visit your employers, understand the changes occurring in their workplaces and explore where new training requirements may be emerging. Equally important is our own willingness to investigate and adopt new technologies so that we can contribute meaningfully to these conversations through common experience and help employers prepare for what lies ahead.
This month, I have published a new article, The Next VET Cycle: Where Are We Heading? It examines the current economic environment, the changes occurring across vocational education and the opportunities I believe training providers should be considering as we look towards 2031. I hope it provides some useful perspective and encourages you to think about where the next opportunities for your organisation may emerge.
Read the full article: The Next VET Cycle: Where Are We Heading?
Good training,
Joe Newbery
Check out our RTO Policies Procedures and Forms Package
|
|
|
|
Compliance & Regulatory News
|
|
|
|
|
Extension of the overseas student transfer restriction period to 12 months
2nd October 2026
The Australian Government has temporarily extended the transfer restriction period under Standard 7 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
From the 2nd of October 2026, CRICOS providers must not knowingly enrol a student transferring from another registered provider until the student has completed 12 months of their principal course.
This change applies to non-school sector students from 2nd October 2026 to 30th June 2027. From 1st July 2027, the transfer restriction period will return to 6 months.
The temporary extension supports the Government’s broader reforms to strengthen the integrity of the international education sector and the student visa program.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VET Information Standard version 2.0.0 is now available
1st October 2026
The latest version (2.0.0) of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Information Standard is now available.
The VET Information Standard sets out the national requirements for VET data collected by registered training organisations (RTOs) from students and provided to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). It replaces AVETMISS for the VET Provider Collection.
Version 2.0.0 includes updates to disability classifications and descriptions and takes effect from 1st October 2026, replacing version 1.0.0 released in July 2026.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offshore Delivery Census now open
13th October 2026
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has opened its Offshore Delivery Census, with submissions due by 8th November 2026. All ASQA-regulated RTOs, including those with no offshore training (nil return) are required to participate.The unique census link was emailed to each provider’s CEO on 13th October 2026.
The census helps ASQA monitor offshore training and ensure regulatory compliance. RTOs should check their CEO’s email, gather the relevant information and submit the census before the deadline.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AVETMISS Reporting- Quarter 3
Reminder if you are submitting fee-for-service data directly to NCVER that the quarterly (Q3) January to September 2026 is open from 1st of November till 16th of November 2026.
If you submit your fee-for-service data via a State Training Authority (STA), please check directly with them for their submission dates.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASQA’s Annual Report 2025-26 published
ASQA has tabled its 2025–26 Annual Report in the Australian Parliament and published it on their website.
The report outlines their key achievements, performance, accountability and financial position for the period 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2026.
Throughout 2025–26, ASQA supported providers to implement the 2025 Standards, strengthened their response to integrity threats and continued to advance their intelligence-led, risk-based approach to regulation.
ASQA also deepened collaboration across the VET sector and with international partners, while investing in
their digital, data and regulatory capabilities to support effective regulation and continuous improvement.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supporting students with disability in VET
2nd October 2026
The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) has developed a range of resources to help registered training organisations (RTOs) support students with disability and strengthen inclusive practices.
The resources include:
- Good Practice Guides: Practical guidance and case studies from vocational education and training (VET) providers across Australia, showcasing effective approaches to supporting students with disability.
- VET eLearning Programs: Two free online programs designed to support VET staff and educators in developing their knowledge and skills to better support students with disability.
With the Revised Standards for RTOs taking effect from 1 July 2025, accessibility and disability are embedded within everyday practice rather than being treated as a separate obligation. These resources are designed to help RTOs build the organisational capability required to implement and meet the revised standards effectively.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pathways to Success
Jobs & Skills Month
20th October – 20th November 2026
Jobs & Skills Month brings together people from across the jobs and skills system to promote collaboration and collective action. Led by Jobs and Skills Australia, the new not-for-profit initiative highlights the vital role the jobs and skills system plays in supporting individuals, communities, industries and the Australian economy. Providing a national platform for organisations to share knowledge, showcase innovation and strengthen partnerships that support Australians to succeed.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roadshow 2026
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is hitting the road in October and November 2026, bringing together stakeholders to explore the latest labour market trends, workforce challenges and emerging opportunities.
Hear from JSA, government, industry and local experts through presentations and panel discussions, with insights into Australia’s jobs, skills and training landscape.
The Roadshow is an opportunity for government, industry, education, training, business, unions and community representatives to connect, share ideas and learn more about JSA’s work.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming NCVER Webinars
As part of Jobs and Skills Month, NCVER is hosting free webinars exploring key topics in Australia’s VET sector, aligned with this year’s theme, Pathways to success. Register now to join the conversation shaping Australia’s skills, training and workforce development. Can’t attend live? Register to receive a recording of the webinar.
Getting started with NCVER data and DataBuilder
The future of VET reporting: An introduction to the VET Information Standard
Strengthening teaching practice and psychosocial support
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian training awards- Finalists announced
16th October 2026
The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training, has announced the finalists for the 2026 Australian Training Awards, recognising excellence and innovation across Australia’s VET sector.
The Awards celebrate outstanding students, apprentices, trainers, teachers, employers and RTOs. Winners will be announced at the gala in Sydney on Friday 20th November 2026.
Finalists are also invited to join the Australian VET Alumni, a national network promoting the value of VET pathways and sharing inspiring success stories.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New survey to help shape the future VET workforce
A new VET Teacher, Trainer and Assessor (TTA) Survey is now open, inviting VET practitioners to share their work experiences.
Led by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), in collaboration with NCVER and the Social Research Centre (SRC), the survey aims to better understand Australia’s VET workforce, identify skills shortages and future workforce needs, and inform strategies to attract, support and retain skilled practitioners.
The survey seeks insights into teaching practices, job satisfaction, wellbeing, career pathways and professional development from graduates of TAE programs since 2016.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revamped Pod Network
The Pod Network features 15 subject-specific information pages that support exploration of key issues and trends in the tertiary education sector.
Each Pod brings together curated research and resources, including VOCEDplus database search strings, key publications, researchers, statistics, data and links to relevant organisations and information sources.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reports, Articles, Papers and Research
|
|
|
|
|
Recent trends for displaced workers in Australia
29th September 2026
The Recent Trends for Displaced Workers in Australia, 2015–2025 report examines changes in worker displacement and outcomes over the past decade.
Key findings:
- Worker displacement declined as the labour market strengthened.
- Displacement shifted from traditional industries towards professional and managerial roles.
- Metropolitan areas saw more displacement but offered greater re-employment opportunities.
- Outcomes improved, although earnings losses remain.
- Rising insolvency-related displacement may highlight gaps in worker protection.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why and how do people become teachers in the Australian VET sector?
Article authors- Erica Smith, Daryl South and Annette Foley.
This article explores why people choose to become VET teachers, drawing on a 2023 survey of current and recently qualified teachers. It examines their motivations, backgrounds and perceived barriers to entering the profession.
The findings challenge common assumptions, showing that personal and intrinsic motivations are stronger drivers than external factors, and highlight ways to attract more people to VET teaching
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New paper explores the state of adult learning in Australia
6th October 2026
Adult learning delivers positive outcomes for Australian workers and employers, including better employment, income growth and staff retention. However, new research from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) reveals a growing gap between demand for learning and available opportunities.
The latest Lifelong Learning working paper, Systems at work: Trends in adult learning and outcomes, highlights rising unmet demand for VET, higher education and workplace training.
The research also emphasises that learning must build valuable skills that are recognised, used and rewarded in the workplace.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than one way to find a skill: building a connected skills language for Australia
8th October 2026
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) explores how a connected National Skills Taxonomy could help Australians identify, understand and apply their skills across different jobs, industries and learning pathways.
By creating a common skills language, the approach would help workers recognise transferable skills, support employers in identifying workforce needs, and enable training providers to develop more targeted learning opportunities. The goal is to make skills easier to identify and connect, while recognising that context, experience and human judgement remain essential.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mapping Skill Shortages in OECD Countries
14th October 2026
Although labour shortages have eased since the pandemic, employers still struggle to find workers with the right skills. Population ageing, digitalisation, AI and the green transition are expected to widen these gaps.
The OECD Skills for Jobs database provides comparable measures of skill imbalances across 38 countries, revealing persistent shortages in high-skilled occupations, including ICT, science and engineering, healthcare, and teaching, while lower-skilled occupations more often face labour surpluses.
These findings highlight the need for policies that improve skills matching and workforce adaptability.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jobs and Skills Report 2026 – Pathways to Success
20th October 2026
Jobs and Skills Australia have released its 2026 report, exploring workforce trends and the future of skills and careers as part of the inaugural Jobs & Skills Month.
The report finds that skills shortages have eased from 36% of occupations in 2023 to 29% in 2025, but persistent gaps remain. Addressing these challenges requires workplace learning, better skills recognition and fewer barriers to workforce participation.
Key findings include:
· 13.6 million Australians use AI tools in their daily lives.
· Female apprentices in construction and electrotechnology have increased by 63% since 2021.
· Almost 9 in 10 VET graduates aged over 25 said their training was relevant to their job.
· Health Care and Social Assistance added almost 1 million jobs in the decade to March 2026.
The report highlights the importance of developing and recognising skills to support Australia’s evolving workforce needs.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government funding of VET 2025
23rd October 2026
Government expenditure on vocational education and training (VET) totalled $10.1 billion in 2025, remaining broadly stable compared with 2024, according to new NCVER data.
While overall spending remained steady, expenditure increased on VET delivery (up 2.5% to $6.9 billion), student assistance (up 15.5% to $447.5 million) and system administration and governance (up 11.9% to $1 billion). Apprenticeship-related expenditure fell 6.7% to $2.9 billion.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Occupation Shortage List
Jobs and Skills Australia has released the 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL), showing continued easing of workforce shortages across Australia.
In 2026, 279 occupations (27% assessed) were in national shortage, down from 29% in 2025 and a peak of 36% in 2023.
Shortages remain concentrated among Technicians and Trades Workers (almost half) and Professionals (37%).
Key findings include:
· 127 occupations have remained in shortage from 2021 to 2026.
· Around half of occupations no longer in shortage were in health, engineering, science and ICT.
· Shortages were most common in Skill Level 3 occupations (42%), followed by Skill Level 1 (30%).
The release also includes the 2026 Occupation Shortage Drivers (OSD) analysis, examining factors such as training, suitability and retention gaps.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following training packages have been updated on training.gov.au:
TLI: Transport and Logistics Training Package
16th October 2026
Qualifications-
0 qualifications added, 2 updated and 12 removed
Click here to find out more
Skill sets-
1 skill set added, 1 updated and 12 removed
Click here to find out more
Unit of competency-
3 units added, 0 updated and 73 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
1 unit added, 8 updated and 38 removed
Click here to find out more
AVI: Aviation Training Package
16th October 2026
Qualifications-
2 qualifications added, 0 updated and 2 removed
Click here to find out more
Skill sets-
4 skill sets added, 0 updated and 4 removed
Click here to find out more
Unit of competency-
24 units added, 4 updated and 6 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
18 units added, 3 updated and 19 removed
Click here to find out more
HLT: Health Training Package
20th October 2026
Qualifications-
2 qualifications added, 1 updated and 2 removed
Click here to find out more
Skill sets-
1 skill set added, 0 updated and 0 removed
Click here to find out more
Unit of competency-
8 units added, 1 updated and 27 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
5 units added, 0 updated and 0 removed
Click here to find out more
AHC: Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package
26th October 2026
Qualifications-
0 qualifications added, 3 updated and 0 removed
Click here to find out more
Imported unit of competency-
2 units added, 14 updated and 1 removed
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACDEVEG 2026 conference
3rd – 4th December 2026
Ballarat, Victoria
The 12th Annual Australian Council of Deans of Education Vocational Education Group (ACDEVEG) Conference will explore the theme:
Leading Learning at the Frontiers of Change: The Essential Role of the VET Teaching Workforce.
This conference offers a valuable platform for educators, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and VET practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of vocational education and training, as well as the evolving role of the VET teaching workforce.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Australian VET Conference
18th – 19th March 2027
Sydney Masonic Centre
Under the theme VET Forward: Leading the Future of Skills, Learning and Workforce Capability, this conference brings together RTO leaders, compliance professionals and trainers to explore strategies that extend beyond regulatory compliance and support sector-wide capability building. Featuring six dedicated learning streams and more than 40 sessions, the event provides valuable insights into emerging educational technologies, workforce development and First Nations community learning initiatives, with both in-person and virtual participation available.
Click here to find out more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
