The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) Chief Commissioner and CEO Mark Paterson recently announced the release of the ASQA Regulatory Strategy 2019-21. Mr. Paterson described the Regulatory Strategy as a key element to its risk-based approach to regulation. The Strategy identifies ASQA’s regulatory priorities and the actions it will take to address systemic risks to the quality and reputation of the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector.
A copy of the Regulatory Strategy 2019-21 is available on ASQA’s website at – https://www.asqa.gov.au/news-publications/media/new-risk-areas-vet-announced-asqa-regulatory-strategy.
ASQA recently published the final report of the International Education Strategic Review an initiative commenced under the auspice of the Regulatory Strategy 2017-2018. Through the Strategic Review, ASQA worked collaboratively with its regulatory partners to investigate persistent risks in international education.
The final report makes a number of recommendations and commits ASQA to specific actions. These actions are included in the Regulatory Strategy, and ASQA will continue to work with key stakeholders to progress their implementation.
The 2019-21 Regulatory Strategy identifies two target areas:
- Trainer and assessor capability
- VET in Schools.
From the VDC perspective, it is pleasing to see that the continuous improvement of trainers and assessors has been highlighted as an area of focus that will support the VET workforce and improve student outcomes.
Mr. Paterson outlined that trainer and assessor capability continues to be a key area of concern for stakeholders across the VET sector. ASQA has implemented a number of strategies within its jurisdiction to help address this concern however, it is a complex area to influence, with significant areas of shared responsibility.
In 2019-21, ASQA has stated it will continue to encourage compliance and supply information to providers to support improved training and assessment practice. In addition, ASQA will work with the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business to further investigate VET workforce challenges and identify actions to drive improvement in trainer and assessor capability.
Martin Powell
Chief Executive Officer, VDC