New risk areas for VET announced in ASQA regulatory strategy

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has released its latest regulatory strategy, setting out the agency’s priorities to 2021.

The strategy is informed by ASQA’s evidence-based approach to identifying and addressing systemic risks to the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The latest update announces continued focus on international education and trainer and assessor capability, and a new focus on VET in Schools.

ASQA Chief Commissioner and CEO, Mark Paterson AO, said the new strategy advises how regulatory activity will remain focused on responding to the most significant risks in a sector largely made up of quality providers.

“ASQA’s risk-based approach to regulation allows us to target efforts to address serious non-compliances that risk damaging the reputation of our world-class VET sector,” Mr Paterson explained.

“All of ASQA’s regulatory activity, including audits, investigations and reviews of specific training areas or products is carried out in response to evidence of risk—ASQA does not conduct regulatory activity unless we have determined a compelling threat to quality.

“Our latest regulatory strategy informs providers and the broader VET community of where we are seeing concentrated evidence of risk to our sector, and where we will subsequently apply greater regulatory focus.”

Concerns about VET courses delivered in secondary schools have been raised in recent research reports and reviews but there has not yet been national scrutiny of this area. ASQA will conduct a study and consult with other government agencies to better understand the risks to VET in schools, and determine if further action is required.

Work will continue to monitor the capacity of trainers and assessors, and implement recommendations of ASQA’s recent strategic review into international education. The strategy also sets out the second phase of the ‘Recognising and supporting quality initiative’, which seeks to improve how quality VET delivery is recognised and support providers through enhanced engagement and advice.

There are five products of concern listed for close scrutiny resulting from emerging data indicating potential issues:

• CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
• BSB50215 Diploma of Business.