Karmel and MacKenzie\u2019s article suggests there is \u2013 and it\u2019s a new type of institution:<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we wish to emulate these [overseas] models and to address the decline in Australia of practice-based education, we need a new type of tertiary education institution that straddles the VET and higher education worlds. We are envisaging a tertiary institution, focused on teaching and practice, delivering VET certificates, diplomas and bachelor degrees. Ideally, there would be pathways from certificates to diplomas to degrees.\u201d<\/p>\n

We do have dual sector institutions, and TAFEs and some private providers also deliver degree level studies. As is often the case, funding is the issue.<\/p>\n

In his paper, Karmel concludes that what\u2019s needed is a \u201crebalancing of government funding such that the Commonwealth is responsible for supporting tertiary education at levels five and above (that is, diplomas and above) with States being responsible for Certificates I-IV.\u201d An amalgamation of TEQSA and ASQA might also be helpful as would ensuring that the AQF is \u201cagnostic in respect to whether a bachelors degree is VET or higher education.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, he also concludes that: \u201cthere are very good reasons for VET to embrace bachelor degrees as a key element of vocational education, so that VET can become a genuine alternative to university. However, considerable institutional reform is necessary before this can occur.\u201d<\/p>\n