VDC News
July Edition
Edition 13 - 2026 | 12 Aug 2026
Record VET in Schools participation…
The latest data released by the NCVER shows the continued growth in VET in Schools in 2025 – with 276,860 students undertaking VET as part of their schooling, an increase of 4.1% from 2024. Many students did not limit themselves to just one VET course as part of their schooling: with 412,840 program enrolments in 2025 (up 4.8% on 2024) there was an average of 1.5 enrolments per student.
Completions were also up 6.4% on 2024 meaning that collectively student numbers, enrolments and completions were all at their highest levels since the national collection began in 2006. It represents a significant achievement at a time when governments are seeking to strengthen vocational pathways through secondary education.
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Using AI to develop more responsive…
A recent report from the OECD, Developing Vocational Education and Training with Artificial Intelligence, examines a different aspect of AI in VET from the increasingly common topics of student use, assessment integrity and/or AI-supported teaching. Its focus instead is how AI can help governments, industry bodies and VET providers develop and update occupational standards, qualifications and curricula.
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Call for abstracts for ACDEVEG…
The Call for Abstracts (attached) for the annual conference of the Australian Council of Deans of Education Vocational Education Group (ACDEVEG) is now available. The conference, on VET teaching and VET teacher–education, is in Ballarat at the SMB TAFE campus on 3rd and 4th December 2026. Abstracts, due on 4th September, may be for research–based presentations or practitioner workshops.
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European research: VET leads to good…
A recent survey by the European Commission reveals broadly positive public attitudes towards vocational education and training across Europe.
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On tomorrow – and it’s a sell-out!…
After months of anticipation, registrations have officially closed and the VET National Teaching & Learning Conference 2026 is now a sell-out. Tomorrow, more than ever, the excitement across the vocational education and training sector is palpable as delegates from around Australia prepare to gather at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 21st VET National Teaching & Learning Conference.
Read MoreUpcoming Professional Development
July Edition
Edition 12 - 2026 | 29 July 2026
Healthy Workplaces. Thriving Teachers.…
With just two weeks remaining, the countdown is on and excitement is building across the sector as educators, trainers, leaders, researchers and learning professionals prepare to gather at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 &14 August 2026 for the 21st VET National Teaching & Learning Conference 2026.
Recognised as one of Australia’s leading professional learning events for vocational education and training, the Conference continues a proud VDC tradition of bringing together the people, ideas and conversations that advance teaching and learning. For more than two decades, the event has provided a national forum for sharing innovation, exploring emerging challenges and celebrating excellence across the VET sector.
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The ‘AI problem’ facing women…
Australia’s discussion about artificial intelligence and the workforce is frequently framed around productivity: how can AI help employees complete tasks more efficiently, address skills shortages and support economic growth? Two recent Australian articles argue, however, that the productivity benefits of AI will be constrained unless women can fully participate in its adoption.
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ACDEVEG Save the Date…
The 12th annual conference of the Australian Council of Deans of Education Vocational Education group (ACDEVEG) will be held in Ballarat on 3rd and 4th December 2026.
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Hear from the Conference’s Major…
We’re proud to join the 2026 VET National Teaching & Learning Conference as Major Sponsor and Digital Partner, and it’s worth saying why.
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ASQA & TEQSA issue joint alert…
It is rare that the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) issue a joint warning to the sector. They have just done so in response to concerns that some CRICOS providers are trying to circumvent the new prohibition on paying education agent commissions for onshore student transfers.
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A Step into the Future for Housing…
Australia’s first accredited Certificate III in Prefabrication Installation has been launched at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.
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