Better data, faster

A bill introduced to Parliament today will support changes to speed up the collection of data from training providers in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

The Australian Government is continuing to work with states and territories, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), the national VET regulator and training providers to improve the timeliness and quality of VET activity data through VET Data Streamlining reforms.

Amendments in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Data Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2023 are the first step in modernising the way TAFEs and other RTOs manage their collection, validation and submission of VET activity data.

Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, said that students, training providers, regulators and governments are not having their information needs met when it comes to the VET sector.

“VET student activity can be 20 months old before it’s published. This is far too late. Progressive reporting will help address these long-acknowledged issues with timeliness of information flows in the VET sector, which have put limits on our ability to be more responsive to training needs,” Minister O’Connor said.

“Reforms to VET data reporting means we’ll be able to better understand where our current and future economic and industry needs lie – and be in a better position to respond to challenges like the pandemic - and the ones to come.

“Australia is a global leader in VET training, and our ability to respond rapidly to emerging challenges, address skill gaps and to take advantage of market opportunities will be critical.

“Better data, faster will support the work of Jobs and Skills Australia which relies on VET activity data to inform its advice on current and emerging skills and training needs in the labour market and workforce.

“World leading training must be supported by quality information – and evidence-based assessment of the VET Sector.

These changes will improve the timeliness and quality of VET data and deliver on the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality and relevance of VET reform, be it by delivering 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places in 2023, upgrading essential TAFE infrastructure through the $50 million TAFE Technology Fund, and supporting New Energy Apprenticeships for a modern economy.” Minister O’Connor said.