The Australian Qualifications Framework has been updated to add a new qualification at AQF Level 7 – a vocational degree which will sit alongside traditional higher education undergraduate degrees.
The aim is to “increase advanced skill training at AQF Level 7 in the vocational education and training sector.”
The new degree is intended to “provide students with access to work-based learning opportunities… including learning linked with a contract of training. The volume and delivery mode of the work-based learning component of a student’s program of study must align with the standard required for the associated industry.”
The AQF Qualification Descriptor identifies the following skills that graduates holding a vocational degree will possess:
- “cognitive and communication skills to critically review, analyse, consolidate, synthesise and act on information
- relevant cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
- cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving ill-defined, and unpredictable problems
- wide-ranging technical, creative and conceptual skills to communicate concepts to a variety of audiences.”
In summary – VET providers will now be able to deliver courses equivalent to bachelor degrees but these courses will need to include a strong work-based learning component. ASQA, the VRQA and WA’s TAC will accredit these qualifications, and the Jobs and Skills Councils will also be able to add them to Training Packages as industry identifies a need.
The first JSC out of the blocks seeking to engage industry and other sector stakeholders, (including the TAFE Centres of Excellence), on the need for vocational degrees and higher level apprenticeships is the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA).
AUSMASA CEO, Dr Gavin Lind, noted that:
“Our comprehensive study of vocational degrees and higher apprenticeships, driven by robust industry consultation, represents a pivotal step in modernising the education system to better align with workforce needs. By identifying use cases that resonate with industry, we aim to build pathways that enhance skill development and meet the demands of the rapidly evolving mining and automotive industries.”
