VET News
Wednesday 23rd of October 2025
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Hello and welcome to VET News,
Today I released a new article on our website to raise awareness of the cyber security threats that providers need to be responding to. I know it is a little off topic from our normal articles but, I really do recommend this article as I am seeing just too many RTOs being crippled by preventable cyberattacks. You can access the article here: https://newberyconsulting.com.au/cyber-security-defence-in-depth-for-rtos/
We have turned 20!!
This month marks 20 years since we first started supporting the VET sector. It is a milestone that gives me a lot of pride. Our work has always been grounded in the simple purpose to “support the VET sector”. Over two decades, that commitment has guided everything we do, whether through consulting, policy frameworks, or the RTO Data Cloud platform.
Our ethos has never been about doing the work for our clients. We see our role as mentoring, teaching, and equipping people with the knowledge and tools to manage their own compliance with confidence. I often describe it as “teaching people to fish”. The aim is to build capability and self-reliance, not dependence.
We are also fortunate to have a great team working within our sister company, RTO Data Cloud. Dave leads our software programming, Sarah coordinates software development, Bree is our client support coordinator, and Jaquie and Kate provide our frontline support. All of these guys started with Newbery Consulting before moving across as RTO Data Cloud grew, and they continue to represent the same values of quality and care that have always defined our work.
As we mark this 20-year milestone, I want to thank all of our clients, readers, and colleagues who have supported us along the way. Your trust and encouragement have made this journey possible. We remain committed to supporting the VET sector and partnering with clients who share our values and dedication to delivering quality vocational education and training. Thanks for being part of the journey and for the trust you continue to place in us.
Good training,
Joe Newbery
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Compliance & Regulatory News
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Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy
25th September 2025
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) have released the Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy, a key initiative of the Government’s Tertiary Harmonisation agenda.
This strategy is designed to ease regulatory pressure on providers delivering both vocational education and training (VET) and higher education. Its focus is on reducing duplication, strengthening governance, and enabling providers to be more responsive to industry and learner needs.
The strategy highlights three priority areas:
- Reducing administrative burden and avoiding unnecessary compliance duplication.
- Aligning regulatory processes and evidence requirements where practical.
- Supporting providers to enhance governance and strengthen responsiveness to industry.
By streamlining requirements and reinforcing self-assurance, the Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy aims to foster innovation and more effective delivery across Australia’s tertiary education system.
Click here to find out more
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Critically non-compliant RTO has appeal against ASQA cancellation dismissed
24th September 2025
The Administrative Review Tribunal has dismissed DSA Ventures’ attempt to challenge ASQA’s decision to cancel its RTO registration. Over 1,500 fraudulent qualifications issued to more than 1,200 students were cancelled. ASQA continues to target non-genuine providers to protect the integrity of Australia’s VET sector.
As of September 2025, ASQA has deregistered 10 critically non-compliant RTOs and cancelled over 25,500 fraudulent qualifications. The ongoing Qualification Integrity Program aims to ensure students receive genuine qualifications and that the Australian VET sector maintains its world-class reputation.
Click here to find out more
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ASQA’s Annual Report 2024-25
13th October 2025
ASQA’s 2024–25 Annual Report is now available, outlining key activities and achievements, including:
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Supporting the sector’s transition to the 2025 Standards for RTOs and cancelling over 25,200 invalid qualifications.
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Strengthening collaboration with TEQSA through the dual sector strategy.
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Reviewing 3,127 tip-offs via the ASQA Tip-off line.
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Advancing digital transformation to enhance ASQA’s capabilities.
Click here to find out more
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AVETMISS Reporting
Reminder for RTOs submitting
fee-for-service data
The third quarter 2025 collection window (covering January to September) will be open from 3–14 November 2025 for RTOs submitting data directly to NCVER.
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
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Launching South Australia’s National Security Centre of Excellence
26th September 2025
The Australian and South Australian governments are investing $28.14 million to establish the TAFE SA National Security Centre of Excellence. Based at Regency campus, the Centre will train workers in cybersecurity, information security, and foreign interference, while supporting critical technologies and protecting Australia’s infrastructure.
TAFE Centres of Excellence are designed to boost collaboration across TAFE institutes and with employers, unions, universities, and other stakeholders. They provide the skills people need for secure, meaningful careers.
The Australian Government is investing $325 million over five years through the National Skills Agreement to create a network of TAFE Centres of Excellence. Each centre will target high-skill areas to support a workforce equipped for strategically important industries.
Click here to find out more
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VET Workforce Blueprint National Actions
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released a discussion paper, Building a Better Understanding of the VET Workforce, to support the VET Workforce Blueprint and strengthen the sector.
The paper explores three key national actions:
· Mapping VET occupations to improve career pathways
· Developing a data strategy for better workforce planning
· Establishing ongoing research into workforce issues
JSA is also examining the impact of casualisation in the VET sector and is inviting stakeholders to share their insights.
Click here to find out more
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Have your say: Building a better understanding of the VET workforce
Now open till 12 noon AEDT 11th December 2025
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is also researching how casualisation affects the VET workforce—an urgent priority identified through the Blueprint consultations.
Download the discussion paper and share your feedback.
Click here to find out more
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Resources for employers to manage risks of silica dust in the workplace
Safe Work Australia has released new resources to help employers manage silica-related risks.
These materials have been developed to support the recently published model Code of Practice on managing respirable crystalline silica in the workplace.
Click here to find out more
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Annual Cyber Threat Report
2024–2025
14th October 2025
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has released its 2024–25 Annual Cyber Threat Report, highlighting the latest cyber risks to Australian businesses and practical steps for protection.
Cybercrime remains a major threat to Australia’s economy and security, with state-sponsored actors continuing to target organisations.
Key findings
- 87,400 cybercrime reports were lodged — one every six minutes.
- Average business losses rose to $80,850, up 50% from last year.
- Top threats: email compromise (no financial loss), business email fraud resulting in financial loss, and identity theft.
Click here to find out more
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Snapshot of Training Needs 2025
Skills Tasmania has released the Snapshot of Training Needs 2025, outlining the government’s funding priorities for upcoming Skills Tasmania grant programs. The updated Funding Framework explains how funding is allocated, priorities are set, and purchasing decisions are made.
Click here to find out more
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The 2025-26 grant program schedule
Skills Tasmania grant program release schedule 2025-26 is available. This schedule is indicative only and may be updated throughout the financial year. All programs are subject to funding availability.
Click here to find out more
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RTO Eligibility Process Review
Skills Tasmania is reforming its RTO eligibility processes to better align with the Tasmanian Skills Plan and ensure learners have access to high-quality training in a strong, diverse market.
They are now seeking feedback on proposed changes to the eligibility process. You’re invited to review the draft documents and complete a short survey by 31 October 2025.
Click here to find out more
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October is National Safe Work Month
Safe work Australia has an extensive range of resources available to download for use during National Safe Work Month.
Click here to find out more
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Reports, Articles, Papers and Research
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The annual Occupation Shortage List (OSL)
Jobs and Skills Australia have released the 2025 Occupation Shortage List (OSL), showing an easing in labour market pressures. In 2025, 29% of occupations were in national shortage, down from 33% in 2024 and 36% in 2023.
Factors driving improvement:
Ongoing challenges: Nearly half of trade roles and two in five professional occupations remain in shortage, especially in health, education, and construction, affecting industries already experiencing below-average productivity growth.
Click here to find out more
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Apprentices and trainees: March quarter 2025
25th September 2025
This publication provides an overview of apprenticeship and traineeship contracts across Australia.
It includes data on commencements, recommencements, completions, cancellations, withdrawals, and contracts in training up to 31st March 2025, based on the latest National Apprentice and Trainee Collection.
Seasonal patterns are evident across contract statuses. For example, the March quarter often records a higher number of commencements, reflecting the intake of new apprentices and trainees at the start of the year.
Click here to find out more
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OECD finds growing transparency efforts among leading AI developers
25th September 2025
Leading AI developers are improving system robustness and security, according to a new OECD report. Companies including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are adopting advanced risk management practices, such as adversarial testing and AI-assisted tools. While information sharing on risks is growing, technical provenance measures like watermarking thand cryptographic signatures remain limited outside large firms.
Click here to find out more
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International Students Pathways and Outcomes Study
25th September 2025
Jobs and Skills Australia’s International Students Pathways and Outcomes Study highlights how education, migration, and employment systems can better support international students into the workforce.
With 11 key recommendations, the study aims to strengthen Australia’s skilled workforce and help international students realise their full potential.
Click here to find out more
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Our Gen AI Transition – Final release
30th September 2025
The final release of ‘Our Gen AI Transition’ includes:
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Analysis Paper F on workers’ exposure and experiences across the workforce
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Technical Notes detailing methodology and guidance for interpreting results
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Updated Case Studies with two new examples exploring non-market settings and co-design
Explore how Gen AI impacts different roles and industries.
Click here to find out more
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Our Gen AI Transition Case Studies
30th September 2025
This collection of case studies offers practical insights into how individuals and organisations are implementing Generative AI (Gen AI). The studies emphasise the value of context-specific adoption and adaptation over one-size-fits-all approaches.
Click here to find out more
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Artificial intelligence in the workplace
AI is reshaping workplaces—automating routine tasks, boosting productivity through faster data analysis, and freeing employees to focus on higher-value work. As it evolves, AI will continue to drive innovation and change job roles. Explore related research in VOCEDplus.
Click here to find out more
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School students in VET reach highest level since collection began in 2006
10th October 2025
The VET in Schools 2024 report reveals strong growth in vocational education, with 266,765 students enrolled- a 5.8% rise from 2023 and the highest level since 2006. Queensland continues to lead participation (39.4%), with most states showing growth.
More than one in four students aged 15–19 took part in VET programs as part of their senior schooling, reflecting growing interest in hands-on learning options. 21,515 students undertook school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, continuing an upward trend.
Click here to find out more
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Atlas of emerging trends in new qualifications and competencies in TVET
The updated BILT Atlas of Emerging Trends in TVET offers new insights into how AI, green skills, and digital technologies are transforming the sector across Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific, providing valuable guidance for policymakers, educators, and training providers.
Click here to find out more
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Skills for the Future Global Platform
The Skills for the Future Platform is a global, interactive dashboard showcasing youth skills development initiatives worldwide. It helps organisations close the global skills gap by providing data and insights to guide strategic, evidence-based decisions. The platform maps programs across countries, populations, and skill areas—highlighting gaps, opportunities, and ways to collaborate for greater impact.
Click here to find out more
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Government-funded students and courses: January to June 2025
20th October 2025
This publication summarises data on Australia’s government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system, including training delivered by TAFEs, government, private, and community providers.
It covers the period 1 January to 30 June 2025 and will be updated as further data submissions are received by NCVER throughout the year.
Click here to find out more
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National VET Conference
30th – 31st of October 2025
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
The 2025 National VET Conference will take place over two days. As the 18th annual National VET Conference, this event promises an incredible opportunity for delegates to engage in meaningful professional development, connect with product and service providers, and network with peers from across Australia.
The 2025 theme, “Painting Our Future,” highlights the vital contributions each of us makes to the broader picture. Together, we will create something greater than the sum of its parts—a comprehensive and vibrant vision of what VET can achieve.
Click here to find out more
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National Safe Work Month
October 2025
October is National Safe Work Month – a time employers and workers across Australia commit to creating safe and healthy workplaces.
#SafeWorkMonth
Click here to find out more
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Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) Webinar
12th November 2025- Online
Join NCVER Research Librarian Tracy Gamlin for VOCEDplus: Your Gateway to Literacy and Numeracy Research.
Discover NCVER’s free database of 100,000+ resources on VET, adult education, literacy, and numeracy, and learn to search effectively while accessing curated tools to support your work and professional growth.
Click here to find out more
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Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) Roadshow 2025
November- December 2025
The Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) 2025 Roadshow is coming to every capital city (plus Coffs Harbour) this Nov–Dec! Hear from experts, explore future jobs and skills, and connect with stakeholders.
An online event also available in December.
Click here to find out more
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11th Annual Conference on VET Teaching and VET Teacher Education
11th – 12th December 2025
Ann Harding Conference Centre,
Bruce ACT
VET Teaching in Tertiary Education: New Horizons for Policy and Practice
The Australian Council of Deans of Education Vocational Education Group (ACDEVEG) 11th Annual Conference will showcase the vital role the VET sector plays in tertiary education. Presenters and delegates will explore how a more integrated education system can enhance VET teaching and support the professional growth of VET educators.
Click here to find out more
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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
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