ConCOVE Tūhura’s Post

The recent consultation on vocational education reforms gave ConCOVE the chance to share our vision for the wider sector. While the 1200+ proposals are under review by the Ministry of Education New Zealand and Tertiary Education Commission, we’ll be highlighting our future-focused thinking in this series of posts. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘’𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 Our submission to the VET reform process presents an evidence-based alternative model for a more resilient, responsive system. Our model is built on four key pillars: 1. A reimagined provider structure. 2. A robust industry engagement framework. 3. Sustainable, equitable funding. 4. A central Centre for Vocational Excellence. A future-focused system that serves learners and industries across NZ. Read more about our vision: https://lnkd.in/gsnEBHpg #VETReform #ConCOVE #VocationalExcellence

The recent consultation on vocational education reforms gave ConCOVE the chance to share our vision for the wider sector. While the 1200+ proposals are under review by the Ministry of Education New Zealand and Tertiary Education Commission, we’ll be highlighting our future-focused thinking in this series of posts. 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦. In our submission to the VET reform, ConCOVE proposes a reimagined provider structure that ensures comprehensive coverage and high-quality education across New Zealand. Our vision includes: 1️⃣ Large-scale anchor campuses for skill development and training 2️⃣ Regional training hubs to serve local communities and deliver initial exposure and work readiness. Coordinates Training Academies for early exposure. Coordinated with large-scale campuses for resource sharing. Provision for localised content. 3️⃣ Mobile training units for flexibility, ensuring training reaches remote areas and urgent industry projects. 4️⃣ Integrated Online Learning Platform to deliver theoretical components and support blended learning approaches.   This structure balances centralised resources with local responsiveness, ensuring consistency and portability of qualifications while meeting diverse learner needs across regions. It’s a forward-looking model that will equip learners for future industry challenges.   Read more about our proposal: https://lnkd.in/gsnEBHpg #VETReform #ConCOVE #VocationalExcellence

Strong growth in TAFE’s share of national priority skills training The TAFE sector’s role in delivering the country’s priority skills grew strongly during 2023, with almost 660,000 TAFE students enrolled in government-funded VET, according to National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). There were 1.25 million students enrolled in government-funded VET in 2023, up 5% from 2022. TAFE enrolments grew by 8.3% to 659,185 students, comprising 52% of all government-funded VET. Enrolments at private training providers slipped 0.9% to 421,200 students, or 33% of the total. Government-funded VET represents the priority skills targeted by governments to address critical workforce needs, as distinct from fee-for-service enrolments.

There is a difference between education and training and the pause and review should reflect this

INDUSTRY VOICE IS CRUICAL IN REDSEIGN OF VET SYSTEM You only have one more week to have your say on the proposed redesign of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system! The system must be fit for purpose for you and your business, and the only way to ensure that can happen is for you to make a formal submission by Thursday, 12 September. The Government wants to understand what you need from the system to make it better for you and those you are training. They want to know what is not working and any ideas you have to make it more responsive to industry and your workforce. You don’t have to be an expert or a big business, it’s important that the Government hears from as many people as possible. AMA will be making a submission, and encourage our members to make their own submissions, or to give feedback on their experiences to inform our submission. Please get in touch with Catherine Lye. Find out more information and have your voice heard: https://lnkd.in/gfrxuriP #VETRedesign #IndustryInput #VocationalEducation #TrainingSystem #FutureOfWork

It is out, the much anticipated consultation on the immediate future of the vocational education system in New Zealand. Strongly encourage people to read the Regulatory Impact Statement alongside the document. ConCOVE Tūhura will be responding and we're interested in hearing more from you on the proposed changes. We will convene a group to discuss this in detail. For now, what are your initial thoughts? #futureofwork #vocationaleducationandtraining #constructionandinfrastructure #ConCOVE

Latest out from National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on Government funding of VET 2023. Interestingly, the media release reads: "...government expenditure on vocational education and training (VET) increased in 2023. The Government funding of VET 2023 report shows that Australian, state and territory governments spent $10.9 billion on VET in 2023, an increase of $12.9 million (0.1%) from 2022." Yet the allocation of funding data reads: "In 2023, funding by: ▪ recurrent and capital flows totalled $8.6 billion, **a decrease** of 1.4 million (0.0%) ▪ intergovernmental agreement flows totalled $2.1 billion, **a decrease** of 115.9 million (5.2%). Each jurisdiction's allocated VET funding consists of its own contribution along with the Australian Government's contribution, provided through VET agreements." So, expenditure increased but allocations did not...? Expenditure potentially eaten up by system administration and governance? See the data: https://lnkd.in/gmc97WDu

Over 16,000 South Australian students have gained in-demand skills through Fee-Free TAFE courses, breaking financial barriers to education and training. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #feefreeTAFE #TAFESA #DavidColtman #vocationaleducation

The vocational education and training system in Australia faces a significant issue highlighted by recent data from NCVER. Despite a substantial increase in funding, now over $10 billion; there is a disconnect from a student-centric approach. Empowering individuals to choose quality, independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) is crucial. It is imperative for the government to recognise that students are best placed to select training providers that align with their specific needs. Ignoring these preferences leads to inefficiencies and hinders access to high-quality education, exposing a flaw in the current policy framework. Reforming policies with a student-focused perspective is essential. This includes implementing funding models that prioritise the student, ensuring fair access to education providers based on outcomes and quality, rather than institutional biases. These changes will not only empower students but also drive competition and innovation in skills training, benefiting taxpayers and the overall economy. To enhance Australia's vocational education system, a shift is necessary from an institutional TAFE-centric model to one that emphasises student choice, guaranteeing effectiveness and equity in education provision. Department for Education Department of Trade, Employment and Training

In the latest newsletter released from National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), details of the government-funded students and courses data for January to March 2024 are shared.   A 1% increase was noted when comparing the same quarter to the previous year.   Compared to January - March 2023, the Community Services Training Package saw the highest growth of qualification enrolments, of 6.4%. The report also noted that CHC was the most popular training package accounting for nearly one-quarter (23.6%) of enrolments into training package training products. Half (50%) of all government-funded enrolments for nationally recognised qualifications were into a Certificate III qualification. In the three months ending 31 March 2024, 761 475 students were enrolled in government-funded VET in Australia. They included: ▪ 742 040 students enrolled in nationally recognised training ▪ 25 395 students enrolled in non-nationally recognised training. Interestingly, declines in enrolments were evidenced during the period in NSW, Tasmania, NT and ACT See the full Government-funded students and courses: January to March 2024 report from NCVER: https://lnkd.in/gA4RHGr2