Regulatory strategy for 2019-21—what are the strategic issues on ASQA’s agenda?
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has today released its regulatory strategy for the 2019-21 period.
The strategy sets out ASQA’s evidence-based approach to addressing both current and emerging systemic risks to the VET sector.
In 2019-21, ASQA will be continuing its close scrutiny of trainer and assessor capability and of international education. The strategy also includes a new target area, VET in Schools.
VET in Schools—a new area of focus for ASQA
While concerns with the suitability of VET delivered in secondary schools have been raised in various research reports and reviews, there has not yet been national scrutiny of the risks in this area.
VET in schools provides valuable opportunities for secondary school students to prepare for the world of work and to learn specific technical skills. However, there are risks associated with its delivery. The value of secondary students' VET experiences can be significantly affected when courses do not meet the required standards.
ASQA will undertake a study and consult with other government bodies to identify the risks associated with VET in schools and to determine whether further action is required.
Trainer and assessor capacity—continuing scrutiny
For the fourth consecutive year, ASQA will continue to focus on the capacity of trainers and assessors. Trainer and assessor capacity is a complex issue that affects the entire VET sector and as such, ASQA will continue close scrutiny of providers delivering training and education courses.
Other strategic initiatives
Recognising and supporting quality
The strategy also sets out the second phase of the ‘Recognising and supporting quality in VET’ initiative that ASQA commenced in 2018. ASQA is further investigating options for ways to recognise quality VET delivery and support providers through engagement and advice.
International education
ASQA released the report on its strategic review into international education, Protecting the quality of international VET and English language education, in July 2019. The new strategy outlines how ASQA will work towards implementing the recommendations of the review, including continued close monitoring of providers delivering to overseas students in Australia and offshore.
Courses of concern
As the VET sector comprises thousands of training products across a broad range of industries, ASQA’s regulatory strategies also pinpoints where emerging data indicates potential issues with specific training products. In 2019-21, ASQA will be closely scrutinising the delivery of:
- 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.
The strategy also identifies specific requirements (under both VET and international education legislation) where ASQA audits are finding trends in non-compliance. ASQA will look closely at these specific Standards over the 2019-21 period.
The regulatory strategy also sets out initiatives relating to supporting providers through communication, for further strengthening the requirements for entry to market by new training organisations.
