Premier

Victorian Government Cracking Down on Low Quality Training Providers

19 February 2015

The Andrews Labor Government is keeping its commitment to crack down on low quality vocational education and training (VET) providers that misuse government funds.

Announcing an urgent review today, Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, said the Labor Government was determined to restore student and employer confidence in the training system after the previous Liberal government allowed low quality training to proliferate.

Following a meeting with the Federal Assistant Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham yesterday, the Andrews Labor Government urged the Federal Government to follow Victoria’s lead.

The Review of Quality Assurance in Victoria’s VET System will analyse existing processes and procedures and recommend a new, risk based, best practice framework to ensure all training providers that deliver government-funded training meet quality standards.

Mr Herbert said an overhaul was needed with a robust new framework implemented because a number of serious abuses in recent years had undermined industry confidence.

These abuses include qualifications being issued to students who have no demonstrable skills, providers claiming government funding for non-existent training delivery and poor oversight of third parties delivering training.

This year alone, around 2500 students have had their substandard qualifications recalled, highlighting the need to dramatically improve quality assurance for government funded training. A further 3000 students may face a similar outcome with investigations currently underway into their qualifications.

Mr Herbert said improving quality assurance would also support the TAFE and training system to deliver the high quality training that improves productivity and develops skills students need to get jobs.

The Review will include consultations with key industry and employer groups, unions and peak bodies representing the state’s training providers in coming weeks, with a final report due in April.

Relevant findings will also be considered as part of the recently announced VET Funding Review being led by Mr Bruce Mackenzie.

Terms of Reference for the Review are available at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/learners/vet/Pages/qareview.aspxExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert

“The Andrews Labor Government is determined to stamp out underhanded providers and the practices that have undermined confidence in our training system.”

“By weeding out low quality training, we will better protect students and restore confidence in those who are doing the right thing by providing quality training.”

“Industry, students and the Victorian taxpayer all have a stake in guaranteeing high quality training is the norm and not the exception.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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