The Australian Government has responded to the lobbying efforts of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) by establishing a Technical Reference Group (TRG) to assist registered training organisations (RTOs) in adopting the TAE – Training and Education and FSK – Foundation Skills training packages. This development aims to address concerns about the need for more guidance for RTOs regarding technical issues and ensure the delivery of quality training in foundation skills and the broader skills training sector.
Key Issues
Establishing 10 new Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) provides the Australian Government with advice on workforce planning and developing and revising training packages. However, the TAE training package was excluded from the JSC’s responsibilities due to ongoing reviews and reforms related to training delivery. As a result, RTOs needed help seeking technical guidance for the TAE and FSK training packages.
To address this concern, the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council temporarily entrusted oversight of the training packages to the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). However, this decision further highlighted the need for infrastructure to provide technical advice on the TAE and FSK training packages.
Advocacy Efforts and the Establishment of the Technical Reference Group
ITECA, in collaboration with stakeholders like TAFE Directors Australia, played a pivotal role in lobbying the government to establish the TRG as an interim measure. Their strategic advocacy efforts successfully convinced the government to address the lack of guidance for RTOs. The Technical Reference Group will enable RTOs delivering the TAE training package to stay informed about developments through regular ITECA Training & Assessment Interest Group meetings.
The Role of the TRG
The Technical Reference Group, led by Andrew Shae, Chair of the ITECA Skills Training National Policy Committee, has assisted DEWR in developing effective strategies for the TAE and FSK training packages. This temporary arrangement provides an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing among RTOs, states, territories, and industry stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality training.
Continued Engagement and Future Reforms
While establishing the TRG is significant, ITECA acknowledges the need for long-term arrangements in the VET sector. ITECA will continue to work closely with DEWR, state and territory governments, and industry stakeholders to represent the interests of independent RTOs in broader skills reforms and new industry engagement arrangements.
Through successful lobbying efforts, ITECA has paved the way for meaningful collaboration and engagement in shaping the future of vocational education in Australia. Establishing the Technical Reference Group provides RTOs a platform to address technical issues and contribute their expertise to developing effective training strategies. As ITECA continues to drive member-driven policy leadership, there is a valuable opportunity for individuals and organisations to get involved and contribute to the ongoing work of the ITECA Skills Training National Policy Committee.
To learn more about ITECA and how to get involved, visit their website here.
