astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131In a recent article in the Australian<\/a> the Australian Industry Group\u2019s Megan Lilly and Victoria University\u2019s Sally Kift call for work to really begin on implementing a revised and updated Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The full implementation of the Noonan Review of the AQF<\/a> is essential, they suggest.<\/p>\n Megan and Sally, who were both members of the AQF Review Panel, point out that the current AQF, now quite elderly, does not facilitate the scaffolding and structures our current tertiary system needs, \u201cand is acting as a major, fundamental barrier to change.\u201d The article suggests the current arrangement is like a bookshelf \u201con which all the education and training options are stored on dusty shelves.\u201d This, they also point out, makes it \u201cvery difficult to change your mind and move between sections or shelves as you learn and develop over a lifetime. It also doesn\u2019t work if you don\u2019t need a whole book, just a short snapshot \u2013 like a micro credential.\u201d<\/p>\n The current AQF framework has ten hierarchical levels delineated on the basis of knowledge and skills locked into a laddered progression. However, Megan and Sally believe that \u201cthe most striking reform proposed relates to the concept of unlocking the levels.\u201d This will enable movements to be freer as learning pathways have always been more diverse than just \u2018onward and upward\u2019.<\/p>\n Thus, the authors suggest that:<\/p>\n \u201cRethinking and rebalancing the relationship between knowledge and skills opens up an opportunity to accurately capture the needs of current and future labour markets in an authentic way.\u201d<\/p>\n And<\/p>\n \u201cThe changes proposed [in the Noonan Review] also include a reconceptualisation of general capabilities \u2013 to include language, literacy and numeracy skills, core skills for work, digital literacy and ethical decision making. The addition of \u2018psychomotor\u2019 within the skills domain addresses a long overdue omission.\u201d<\/p>\n The new AQF and its effective implementation may also help us move towards a genuine tertiary sector, with greater parity of esteem between VET and HE rather than the \u2018chasm\u2019 Megan and Sally believe we have now. So, we need to keep our eyes on the Australian Universities Accord<\/a> review chaired by Prof. Mary O\u2019Kane to see what emerges from it and the extent to which that review\u2019s eventual findings are taken up. We have highlighted this review and its discussion paper in VDC News<\/a> earlier this year and will keep an eye on what\u2019s coming out of it down the track.<\/p>\nSo, why aren\u2019t things happening?<\/h2>\n