Next steps to deliver a joined up tertiary education system

The Albanese Government is taking the next steps to deliver a joined up tertiary education system.

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) has been tasked with leading the development of a Tertiary Roadmap. It will identify the next steps to make it easier for students to move between TAFE and university and set up the system to support students to gain qualifications matched to Australia’s future skills needs.

A new Tertiary System Advisory Council will be established to help to drive this work.

It will be chaired by Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover AO, with other members to include representatives from Commonwealth, states and territories, industry, unions, and the VET and higher education sectors.

This responds to the Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 report Opportunity and Productivity: Towards a Tertiary Harmonisation Roadmap. It will strengthen links between higher education and VET and produce better pathways for students, whilst drawing on the distinct strengths and roles of each sector.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“We are not going to fix the skills shortages we have, and will have, unless we break down the artificial barriers between higher education and vocational education and training.

“We have already started work, but there is a lot more to do.

“We need to crack the code of credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning and make it easier to get the skills and qualifications you need quicker and cheaper.

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Skills and Training Amanda Rishworth:

“We know that by 2050, nine out of 10 jobs in Australia will require some form of tertiary education – whether that is from higher education, vocational education and training, or a mix of both.

“Building a better and more connected tertiary system will ensure Australians have the right skills for the jobs of today and for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover:

“Tertiary harmonisation is essential to Australia’s future prosperity. By creating a more integrated and coherent tertiary education system, we can boost national productivity and ensure our workforce is equipped for the challenges of a rapidly changing AI infused economy. It will also address barriers that prevent students from equity backgrounds from accessing and succeeding in tertiary education.

“I welcome Minister Clare and Minister Rishworth’s announcement of the Tertiary System Advisory Council, and I am pleased that one of the Council’s key responsibilities will be developing a tertiary harmonisation roadmap as a critical first step towards a more cohesive tertiary education system.”