Basically, it\u2019s points out that there are too many qualifications and UoCs! VET is seen as \u201ccluttered and difficult to navigate \u2026 with over 1200 qualifications, 1500 skill sets, and 15,000 Units of Competency (UoCs).\u201d In addition, the \u201chighly prescriptive content [of UoCs] stifles innovation and flexibility in training delivery and hinders the recognition of transferable skills and learner mobility.\u201d No new news here!<\/p>\n

The proposed model<\/h2>\n

Basically, people \u201cwant a system of VET qualifications and skill sets that is clear and relevant, accessible, flexible and transferable.\u201d It also needs to reflect the needs of the workforce and workplaces. Jobs and Skills Councils, working with Jobs and Skills Australia, will be the new engine rooms to develop \u2018job profiles\u2019. These will describe in simple language \u201call the job functions and necessary skills and knowledge required to do each job.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the proposed new products \u2018Skill Standards\u2019 will replace Units of Competency as the building blocks for industry specific qualifications, and which will be a job function level. Where feasible, Skills Standards will also be developed that are cross sectoral. Finally, foundation Skills Standards will be developed. This will all be in the form of a national library.<\/p>\n

In addition, \u201cJobs and Skills Councils will develop Training and Assessment Requirements in collaboration with educators.\u201d This is a great step forward, as it signifies the much needed and welcome re-entry of educators to the \u2018tent\u2019 and to also ensure that these products \u201cincorporate appropriate educational pedagogy and are fit for purpose.\u201d Finally, there will be a set of completion rules.<\/p>\n

Clustering is the go!<\/h2>\n

As the consultation brief notes, \u201cmany current VET qualifications meet a single occupational outcome with limited recognition of transferable skills.\u201d The new proposed model:<\/p>\n

\u201cwill have qualifications that are collaboratively designed to support clusters of related occupations and combine transferable skills with industry specialisations. Specialisation streams will offer industry specific skills related to a specific occupation.<\/p>\n

This allows for broader vocational outcomes for learners, enabling learners to quickly upskill and reskill and move easily between job roles in related occupations without needing to complete a full qualification. Additionally, with greater transferability of skills and mobility, employers would have access to a larger pool of skilled workers to meet their workforce needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

There will be benefits!!<\/h2>\n

There are a proposed number of around 2000 Skills Standards (down significantly from the number of 15,000 UoCs we highlighted above!). In addition, \u201cthe development of qualifications with broader vocational outcomes and greater use of specialisations and stackable skill sets would enable greater flexibility, transferability of skills and job mobility for learners, and would allow employers greater access to a wider talent pool to meet their workforce needs.\u201d Training and assessment requirements will also be less prescriptive.<\/p>\n