An addendum No 7 has been published to the AQF Second Edition January 2013, introducing a degree level qualification for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector – the Vocational Degree.
The addendum includes the Vocational Degree qualification type specifications and minor amendments to the Issuance Policy and Glossary.
What is a Vocational Degree?
The learning outcomes of a Vocational Degree are comparable to the existing Bachelor Degree delivered in the higher education sector, but qualifications will have a greater focus on advanced skill attainment, and the application of specialised knowledge and technical skills.
The Vocational Degree has been designed to enable all modes of training delivery – including apprenticeships.
Why was the Vocational Degree introduced?
The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities: Working Future was released on 25 September 2023. The White Paper found that people will increasingly need higher-level tertiary skills as jobs require more employees with advanced levels of technical knowledge and skills.
The Vocational Degree was introduced to leverage the strengths and organisational expertise of the VET sector to deliver skills-based, industry focused qualifications.
Who approves Vocational Degrees?
Vocational Degrees can be developed and approved as per the standard pathways in the VET sector: either through Jobs and Skills Councils and the Training Package process or as Accredited Courses accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), and Western Australia’s Training Accreditation Council (WA TAC).
Who can develop Vocational Degrees?
New qualifications will be developed where there are genuine skills needs and demand from industry. This will take some time; however, TAFE Centres of Excellence and Jobs and Skills Councils have already commenced work to scope and develop Vocational Degree curricula.