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VET News
Thursday 27th of August 2026
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Hello and welcome to VET News,
I would definitely encourage everyone to review ASQA’s guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in VET. Link provided in the first news article.
We are increasingly seeing artificial intelligence work its way into the everyday operations of training organisations. For those still sitting on the sidelines, I would encourage you to start using AI, even in a small way, so that you can begin to understand its capability and become more comfortable with its use.
Like most significant changes, AI brings opportunity and risk. The regulator’s guidance is valuable because it prompts organisations to think about the safeguards they need to put in place. It is probably about two years late, but better late than never.
I have also just published our most recent installment to our 2025 Standards Article Series. This months article is on risk management. Risk management and taking a risk-based approach are now more clearly expressed in the 2025 Standards, particularly through Outcome Standard 4.3.
It is important that your approach to risk management is integrated with your broader governance arrangements. This article provides a practical guide to conducting a risk assessment and connecting risk management with the other systems that support effective governance in an RTO. I hope this is helpful.
https://newberyconsulting.com.au/risk-management-a-practical-guide-for-rtos/
Good training,
Joe Newbery
Check out our RTO Policies Procedures and Forms Package
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Compliance & Regulatory News
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Principles for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in VET released
30th July 2026
ASQA has released its 5 Principles for the Responsible Use of AI to help VET providers adopt AI safely, ethically and in line with existing regulatory obligations.
The principles include practical guidance, self-assurance questions and case studies to support AI governance across provider operations. They don’t introduce new requirements but help RTOs apply the 2025 Standards as AI use continues to grow.
A valuable resource for any provider using or planning to use AI.
Click here to find out more
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ASQA and TEQSA sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
5th August 2026
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening collaboration and streamlining regulatory processes across the vocational education and training (VET) and higher education sectors.
The MOU demonstrates ASQA and TEQSA’s shared commitment to strengthening regulatory harmonisation through the following measures:
- Facilitating information sharing and collaboration in key areas to minimise the need for providers to submit the same or similar information to both regulators.
- Aligning evidence requirements for comparable assessments, where practical, while maintaining regulatory effectiveness. This will help reduce the administrative burden and costs for providers that are subject to the requirements of both regulators.
- Supporting dual-sector providers to strengthen and mature their corporate and academic governance through initiatives such as developing joint guidance, clarifying regulatory expectations, and simplifying staff training requirements.
Click here to find out more
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Data Provision Requirements amendments
12th August 2026
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) have announced the publication of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Data Provision Requirements) Amendment (Data Streamlining) Instrument 2026 (DPRs), which will take effect from 1st October 2026.
The amended DPRs introduce revised reporting requirements for providers, including updated submission timeframes, processes and compliance expectations.
Providers, student management system (SMS) suppliers and other relevant stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated requirements and commence preparations to ensure a smooth transition.
Click here to find out more
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Global Skills Challenge
Australia’s top young apprentices, trainees and vocational students—the Skillaroos—are preparing to represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai this September.
The 37-member team will compete across 33 skill categories, including cyber security, cloud
computing, plumbing, hairdressing, welding, industrial mechanics and automotive refinishing. Their participation highlights the strength of Australia’s VET system and the vital role of skilled workers in Australia’s future.
Click here to find out more
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First Nations VET Policy Partnership
The new First Nations VET Policy Partnership brings First Nations representatives and governments together as equal partners to drive meaningful, system-wide VET reform.
The focus is on improving access to high-quality, culturally safe training, strengthening First Nations-owned and Aboriginal Community-Controlled RTOs, and creating stronger pathways from training into employment.
The partnership held its inaugural meeting in Brisbane on 28th–29th July 2026 and will play an important role in advancing the Closing the Gap targets through shared decision-making and national VET reform. A positive move towards a more inclusive, culturally responsive and outcomes-focused VET system.
Click here to find out more
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Free TAFE construction course oversubscribed
3rd August 2026
Australia’s Free TAFE Construction program has already surpassed its 20,000-enrolment target, reaching 24,616 enrolments in just 15 months.
In NSW alone, 7,607 people have enrolled, highlighting strong demand for construction skills and career pathways.
With the construction industry facing ongoing skills shortages, this is a great example of how VET can help build the skilled workforce needed for the future.
Click here to find out more
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DataBuilder upgrade launching 31st August 2026
NCVER will launch an upgraded DataBuilder on Monday 31 August 2026, offering a more modern, user-friendly experience with new functionality and improved ways to explore and analyse VET data.
Key improvements include:
- A simpler, more intuitive interface
- Improved search and sorting to find attributes faster
- The ability to save and share customised views
- Copy-and-paste functionality for easier data transfer
NCVER will also host webinars to help users transition to the new DataBuilder. The sessions will showcase key features, support resources, and provide an opportunity for questions and feedback.
Webinar dates and times:
Tuesday 1 September 2026, 12.00pm AEST
Monday 7 September 2026, 12.00pm AEST
Wednesday 9 September 2026, 12.00pm AEST
Click here to find out more
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Reports, Articles, Papers and Research
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VET in Schools 2025
30th July 2026
New data on VET in Schools highlights continued growth across the sector.
As of 31st December 2025:
- 276,860 school-aged students participated in VET (+4.1%)
- 412,840 program enrolments were recorded (+4.8%)
- 151,485 program completions were achieved (+6.4%)
Student numbers, enrolments and completions have all reached their highest levels since national reporting began in 2006, reflecting the ongoing growth and importance of VET in Schools.
Click here to find out more
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Explore Australia’s occupations with new OSCA occupation profiles
7th August 2026
Jobs and Skills Australia has launched new occupation profiles based on the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), providing a user-friendly overview of Australia’s workforce.
The profiles combine labour market data with information on employment, demographics, industries, skills and licensing requirements. They will be expanded over time with additional data, including employment projections and earnings.
OSCA provides a more current and detailed view of Australia’s workforce, recognising emerging occupations and providing greater detail on occupations previously grouped together.
Click here to find out more
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A Conceptual Foundation for the Development of a Lifelong Learning Measurement Framework
28th July 2026
The report proposes a framework for measuring lifelong learning (LLL) to support better policy design and evaluation. It highlights gaps in current data, including limited age coverage, insufficient longitudinal tracking, a focus on employment outcomes, and inadequate measurement of informal learning.
The framework is built around three pillars: demand, supply and coordination. It also introduces a model that captures learning across different levels of formalisation and digitalisation, including emerging and hybrid forms of learning.
Practical recommendations include improved surveys, linked longitudinal and administrative data, skills passports and advanced analytics. The report will be of interest to education policymakers, statisticians and other adult learning and education stakeholders.
Click here to find out more
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New Insights paper explores employer investment in learning
14th August 2026
Jobs and Skills Australia have released a new Insights paper highlighting the important role employers play in lifelong learning and workforce capability.
The paper finds that most work-related learning is employer-supported, but participation remains steady despite the growing need to update skills.
Importantly, quality and relevance matter more than the volume of training. Learning aligned with workplace needs can strengthen skills, boost productivity and support career progression.
As Australia’s workforce continues to evolve, employer investment in meaningful learning will become increasingly important.
Click here to find out more
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Young Australians at 25: engaged in work and study, but facing greater challenges
18th August 2026
NCVER’s latest LSAY findings show that most young Australians remain engaged in work and study at age 25, but face greater challenges than previous generations.More young people are living with their parents, with 44% doing so in 2025, compared with 38% in 2013.Employment outcomes vary by qualification, with apprentices and trainees continuing to experience strong permanent employment outcomes.Overall, the findings highlight that while young people remain committed to work and learning, achieving financial security, wellbeing and independence is becoming more challenging
Click here to find out more
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2026 VETQI Summit Brisbane
16th-17th September 2026
Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane
Australia’s Premier Quality, Compliance and Innovation focused Summit for the Vocational Education and Training Sector – The VET Quality & Innovation Summit.
Click here to find out more
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3.3 Conference: World Conference on TVET 10th World Conference on TVET (WoCTVET2026)
14th October 2026
Venue: Novatel, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Organiser: Faculty of Technical and Vocational and MyRIVET, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
The conference, themed “Next Gen Workforce: Reimagine TVET for the Future,” focuses on advancing TVET through technology, innovation, employability, sustainability, inclusivity, and industry collaboration. It provides a platform to share research and best practices addressing Industry 4.0/5.0, future skills, digital and green technologies, pedagogy, governance, and quality assurance.
Sub-Themes:
- Advanced Technology, Engineering & Green Innovation
- Global Skills, Employability & Talent Mobility
- Inclusive & Sustainable TVET Ecosystem
- Policy, Governance & Industry Partnership
Click here to find out more
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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
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ACDEVEG 2026 conference
3rd – 4th December 2026
Ballarat, Victoria
📅 Save the date!
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
More details, including keynote speakers, panel members and the Call for Abstracts for workshops and research papers, will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
acdeveg2020@federation.edu.au
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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
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