Glossary
This glossary contains terms (including abbreviations) likely to be found in recent literature of Australian vocational education and training (VET) research and policy.
Where a term has a broader general meaning, the definition given refers to its use in the VET context. Many of these terms have been drawn from A glossary of Australian vocational education and training terms from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER).
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AAAP
Australian Apprenticeships Access Program; see 'Access Program'
AASS
see 'Australian Apprenticeships Support Services'
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Training Advisory Council
(or ATSIPTAC) - now AITAC
Aboriginal education
(also called indigenous education) education or education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme
see 'ABSTUDY'
Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme
(or ATAS) a government program providing supplementary tutorial assistance and other kinds of study help to indigenous students in school or further education.
ABS
Australian Bureau of Statistics.
ABSTUDY
Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme,a government scheme providing financial assistance to indigenous students in school or further education.
academic advisor
a person working in an educational institution who assists students to choose and plan their study program.
academic award
see 'award'
acceleration
progression through an education or training program at a faster rate than usual.
access and equity
a policy or set of strategies to make vocational education and training available to all members of the community, to increase participation and to improve outcomes, particularly focussing on those groups that have been traditionally under-represented, especially women,indigenous Australians, people with a disability,people from a non-English-speaking background,and people from rural and remote areas.
access course
a preparatory, prevocational or bridging course which prepares a student for further study or training.Access courses are offered particularly for immigrants, overseas students and adults who are seeking to re-enter the workforce.
Access Program
(also called Australian Apprenticeships Access Program) a program providing pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship training for people who are registered as unemployed and are disadvantaged in the labour market and need preliminary training before they can successfully participate in an apprenticeship or traineeship.
ACCI
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
accreditation
the formal recognition of a course by the state or territory course accrediting body in accordance with the Standards for state and territory Registering / Course Accrediting Bodies (ANTA 2001)
accredited course
In areas where Training Package qualifications are not available accredited courses may be developed. The NTIS provides details of nationally accredited courses and the training providers delivering the training.
accrediting authority
an organisation with the authority and responsibility for accrediting courses and training programs.
accrediting body
see 'state or territory Accrediting Body' alignment process of relating groups of competencies with a definable work outcome, to an AQF level.
ACE
see 'adult and community education'
ACEE
Australian Centre for Equity through Education.
ACER
see 'Australian Council for Educational Research'
ACFE
(in Victoria) Adult, Community and Further Education.
achievement
the attainment of a specified standard of performance.
ACIRRT
Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training, a research centre at the University of Sydney.
ACIVC
see 'Australian Council of Independent Vocational Colleges'
ACM
Australian Chamber of Manufactures, now part of the Australian Industry Group
ACOTAFE
Australian Committee on Technical and Further Education. See also 'Kangan Report'
ACPET
see 'Australian Council for Private Education and Training'
ACRC
Australian Competency Research Centre, based at the Barton Institute of TAFE.
ACSA
see 'Australian Curriculum Studies Association'
action learning
learning by working on real problems, implementing solutions, and reviewing and reflecting on the learning process.
active learning
learning driven primarily by the learner, with the instructor acting as a facilitator. See also 'self-directed learning'
ACTRAC
see 'Australian Committee for Training Curriculum'
ACTRAC Products Limited
Australian Committee for Training Curriculum Products Limited, now known as Australian Training Products Limited (ATP).
ACTU
Australian Council of Trade Unions.
ACVETS
see 'Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics'
admission criteria
requirements,such as educational qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience, for entry to a particular course.
ADTAC
see 'Australian Disability Training Advisory Council'
Adult and Community Education
(ACE) is an important part of a continuum of learning which offers choices of learning outcomes at various stages of an individual's development. Generally the defining features of ACE are that it is learner-centred, responsive to community, accessible, and diverse, varied and flexible
adult and community education
1 (or ACE education and training) intended principally for adults, including general, vocational, basic and community education, and recreation, leisure and personal enrichment programs.
2 (also called ACE sector the organisations and providers who deliver adult and community education programs, including evening and community colleges, Workers Educational Associations (WEA),community adult education centres, neighbourhood houses, churches, schools, TAFE institutes, universities (continuing education), University of the Third Age (U3A).
2 (also called ACE sector the organisations and providers who deliver adult and community education programs, including evening and community colleges, Workers Educational Associations (WEA),community adult education centres, neighbourhood houses, churches, schools, TAFE institutes, universities (continuing education), University of the Third Age (U3A).
adult basic education
(or ABE) remedial or school-level education for adults, usually with emphasis on the literacy, numeracy and social skills needed to function within the community or to gain employment.
adult education
education of adults; education programs designed for adults, often incorporating approaches to education which draw on the learner's life or work experiences, involve learners in planning the learning activities, encourage learning in groups, as well as more self-directed learning.
adult learners week
premier annual event for ACE
adult learning
the processes by which adults learn and build on their existing knowledge andskills.
Adult Learning Australia Inc
(or ALA) the peak organisation for adult and community education providers and participants
adult migrant education
education programs which aim to assist adult immigrants and refugees in their settlement in Australia, including English language and literacy programs. See also 'Adult Migrant English Program' and 'Advanced English for Migrants Program'
Adult Migrant English Program
(or AMEP) an education and settlement program funded by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for new immigrants and refugees providing English language teaching, counselling and support services.
Adult Migrant English Service
(or AMES) - in NSW and Tasmania - a provider of English language and literacy programs and related services, including workplace training programs and consultancies for newly arrived immigrants, jobseekers, workplace clients and youth.
Adult Multicultural Education Services
(or AMES) - in Victoria - a provider of English language and literacy programs and related services,also assisting clients to access training programs, obtain recognition for overseas qualifications, and gain employment.
advanced certificate
a qualification under the former Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE) system of awards.
advanced diploma
a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'
Advanced English for Migrants Program
(or AEMP) a government program assisting immigrant jobseekers to obtain employment and overcome individual barriers to participation in vocational education and training by providing advanced English language training, generally with a vocational focus.
advanced standing
(also called status or credit recognition granted to a student on the basis of previous study (credit transfer) and / or experience (recognition of prior learning), exempting the student from a particular course,subject or module.
AEC
see 'Australian Education Council'
AEI
see 'Australian Education International'
AEMP
see 'Advanced English for Migrants Program'
AEP
see 'National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy'
AEShareNet
(in full Australian Education Sharing Network) an online system managed by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs for dealing with copyright issues in the vocational education and training sector.
AESIP
Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program, now known as the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP).
AEU
see 'Australian Education Union' affirmative action action favouring those groups who tend to suffer from discrimination or who are under-represented in the workforce or in education and training programs.
AHRI
Australian Human Resources Institute.
AIEF
Australian International Education Foundation, now known as Australian Education International (AEI).
AIG
see 'Australian Industry Group'
AIM
Australian Institute of Management.
AIRC
Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
AITAC
see 'Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council'
AITD
see 'Australian Institute of Training and Development'
ALA
see 'Adult Learning Australia Inc'
ALBE
adult literacy and basic education.
ALGA
Australian Local Government Association.
ALLP
Australian Language and Literacy Policy.
ALMitab
Australian Light Manufacturing Industry Training Advisory Board.
Alon
(also ALON) Adult Learning online database, an information network for the Australian adult learning community.
ALRN
Adult Literacy Research Network.
ALT
adult literacy teaching.
alternative entry
(also called special entry) entry to a course or program by special arrangement where the learner does not meet the standard entry requirements (usually Year 12 or equivalent).
AMEP
see 'Adult Migrant English Program'
AMES
see 'Adult Migrant English Service'
annual student contact hours
(or ASCH) also called annual hours the total nominal hours (supervised) for the modules undertaken in a year, used as a measure of total system delivery, e.g. for an institute, state or territory.
ANTA
See 'New National Training System'. As of 1 July 2005 all responsibilities and functions of ANTA were transferred to the Department of Education Science and Training (DEST).
ANTA Board
the governing body of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), responsible for the organisation's performance, advising and providing support to the ANTA Ministerial Council (MINCO)in all of its functions.
ANTA CEOs' Committee
a committee which looks at the implications of proposals before they are considered by the ANTA Board, and advises on these implications. CEOs also individually advise their ministers and consider draft resolutions for the Ministerial Council. The Committee also works to increase co-operation between state and territory vocational education and training systems.
ANTA key research centres
research centres directly funded by the Australian National Training Authority under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project to undertake research and to develop specialist expertise in designated areas, in order to inform vocational education and training policy.
ANTA Ministerial Council
(or MINCO) a body comprising the Australian Government, state and territory ministers responsible for vocational education and training, which decides national policy, objectives and priorities for vocational education and training.
ANTARAC
Australian National Training Authority Research Advisory Council, superseded by the National Research and Evaluation Committee (NREC).
ANZSIC
see 'Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification'
APL
ACTRAC Products Ltd, now known as Australian Training Products Ltd (ATP).
apprentice
a person undertaking training under an apprenticeship. See also 'New Apprenticeships trainee'
apprenticeship
a system of training regulated by law or custom which combines on-the-job training and work experience while in paid employment with formal off-the-job training. The apprentice enters into a contract of training or training agreement with an employer which imposes mutual obligations on both parties. Traditionally, apprenticeships were in trade occupations (declared vocations) and were of four years' duration. See also 'Australian Apprenticeships'
approving authority
a body which approves apprenticeships and traineeships for the purposes of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and determines the impact of training on productive time for apprenticeships and traineeships which are approved.
APSDEP
Asian and Pacific Skill Development Program.
APSDIN
Asian and Pacific Skill Development Information Network.
AQC
Australian Quality Council.
AQF
see 'Australian Qualifications Framework'
AQFAB
see 'Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board'
AQTF
see 'Australian Quality Training Framework'
ARC
(1) see 'Australian Research Council'
(2) (in SA) Accreditation and Registration Council.
(2) (in SA) Accreditation and Registration Council.
ARF
Australian Recognition Framework - now Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
ARIS
Adult Education Resource and Information Service, managed by Language Australia.
articulation
the arrangements which facilitate the movement or progression of students from one course to another, or from one education and training sector to another. See also 'advanced standing credit' and 'recognition of prior learning'
ASCED
see 'Australian Standard Classification of Education'
ASCH
see 'annual student contact hours'
ASCO
see 'Australian Standard Classification of Occupations'
ASEAN
Association of South East Asian Nations.
ASF
see 'Australian Standards Framework'
ASIC
(1) see 'Australian Standard Industrial Classification'
(2) 'Australian Seafood Industry Council', a national industry training advisory body.
(2) 'Australian Seafood Industry Council', a national industry training advisory body.
ASLPR
Australian Second Language Proficiency Rating(s).
ASPBAE
Asia South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education.
assessment
the process of gathering and judging evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard or objective. See also 'competency-based assessment'
assessment guidelines
an endorsed component of a Training Package which underpins assessment and which sets out the industry approach to valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment. Assessment guidelines include information concerning: assessment system overview, assessor requirements, designing assessment resources, conducting assessment, sources of information on assessment.
assessment materials
optional component of Training Packages that complement endorsed industry assessment guidelines and could take the form of assessment exemplars or specific assessment tasks and instructions.
assessment tool
a method for the gathering of evidence for assessment, such as a knowledge test or a checklist of practical performance.
assessor
a person qualified to carry out assessment.
associate diploma
a qualification under the former Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE) system of awards.
ASTF
see 'Australian Student Traineeship Foundation' (now known as Enterprise and Career Education Foundation - ECEF)
ATA
Automotive Training Australia Ltd, a national industry training advisory body.
ATAS
see 'Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme'
ATP
see 'Australian Training Products Ltd'
ATS
see 'Australian Traineeship System'
ATSI
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
ATSIC
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.
ATSIPTAC
now known as Australian Indigenous Advisory Council (AITAC)
attainment
reaching a particular level,accomplishing a goal; (in vocational education and training) successful completion of the requirements of a module or course. See also 'statement of attainment'
attendance mode
the nature of a student's attendance at an educational institution, including internal (undertaking all units of study on campus), external (undertaking all units of study off campus), or mixed-mode (a mixture of the two).
attendance pattern
the pattern of a student's attendance at an educational institution according to times of attendance and the number of contact hours.
attrition
(in an educational institution) a reduction in the number of students as a result of dropping out, withdrawing, etc.
attrition rate
the proportion of students starting who discontinue through withdrawal, dropping out, etc.
Audit
means a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence to determine whether the activities and related outcomes of a training organisation comply with the Australian Quality Training Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations.
auspicing
the process by which a registered training organisation authorises industry or another training organisation to deliver training and / or conduct assessment.
Australasian Curriculum Assessment and Certification Authorities
(ACACA) is the association of chief executive officers of the eight state and territory senior secondary certificate authorities. Its purpose is to promote curriculum, assessment and certification in schooling functions with special reference to senior secondary studies.
Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification
(or ANZSIC) a system developed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which is used for classifying industries.
Australian Apprenticeships
Australian Apprenticeships is the new name for the scheme formerly known as 'New Apprenticeships'. Under the scheme the Australian Government incentives and personal benefits programme are still the same.
Australian Apprenticeships still encompass all apprenticeships and traineeships. They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.
Australian Apprenticeships still encompass all apprenticeships and traineeships. They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.
Australian Apprenticeships Access Program
see 'Access Program'
Australian Apprenticeships Job Pathways website
The Australian Apprenticeships Job Pathway website (www.aajobpathways.com.au) features over 2,000 potential Australian Apprenticeships job titles, with a training summary, derived from relevant training packages. The site also features Job Pathway charts that illustrate the career progression people can pursue in major industry sectors. The site is aimed at students, career practioners, job applicants, parents and organisations who service the needs of these groups.
Australian Apprenticeships Support Services
(or AASS) support services provided to an apprentice, employer, or other interested person under the terms of a contract between the Australian Apprenticeships Centre and the Australian Government.
Australian Apprenticeships Training Information Service
This DEST funded Service (go to www.aatinfo.com.au or call 1800 338 022) provides online access to Australian Apprenticeships training information, job and training package pathway charts, and marketing resources for Australian Apprenticeships Centres, Registered Training Organisations and other stakeholders.
Australian Committee for Training Curriculum
(or ACTRAC) a former committee which co-ordinated development of national curricula for vocational education and training. ACTRAC amalgamated with the National Training Board (NTB) to form the Standards and Curriculum Council (SCC) which was later replaced by ANTA's National Training Framework Committee.
Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics
(or ACVETS) a committee which advised the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and superseded National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (NACVETS), now called the National Training Statistics Committee (NTSC).
Australian Council for Educational Research
(or ACER) an independent national agency undertaking educational research and development.
Australian Council for Private Education and Training
(or ACPET) a national body representing the private education and training sector in Australia.
Australian Council of Independent Vocational Colleges
(or ACIVC) an industry association whose membership is made up of private colleges who deliver business and business related courses.
Australian Courses and Careers Database
see 'OZJAC'
Australian Curriculum Studies Association
(ACSA) a professional association of curriculum workers from all levels of education which aims to promote curriculum research and the exchange of information on curriculum developments.
Australian Disability Training Advisory Council
(or ADTAC) a committee which advises the ANTA Board on ways of increasing participation and improving outcomes in vocational education and training for people with a disability.
Australian Education Council
(AEC) a former body comprising the Ministers of Education in each state and territory and the Australian Government. See also 'Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs' (MCEETYA)
Australian Education International
(AEI) an Australian Government initiative, working with the Australian education and training industry to promote the industry overseas and to advance the internationalisation of Australian education and training. Formerly the Australian International Education Foundation (AIEF).
Australian Education Sharing Network
see 'AEShareNet'
Australian Education Union
(AEU) the peak union and federal lobby group for public teachers and educational workers in Australia.
Australian Flexible Learning Framework is a five-year, national collaborative program of the Australian Government, states and territories in conjunction with ANTA. The Framework identifies five complementary goals that seek to create and share knowledge about flexible learning and to support its take-up in the vocational education and training sector. The goals are creative, capable people; supportive technological infrastructure; world-class online content development, applications and services; enabling policies; problem-solving regulation.
Australian Flexible Learning Framework is a five-year, national collaborative program of the Australian Government, states and territories in conjunction with ANTA. The Framework identifies five complementary goals that seek to create and share knowledge about flexible learning and to support its take-up in the vocational education and training sector. The goals are creative, capable people; supportive technological infrastructure; world-class online content development, applications and services; enabling policies; problem-solving regulation.
Australian Government Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
(or CRICOS) an online of courses and educational institutions or providers who are registered to offer courses for overseas students in Australia.
Australian Government/State Training Advisory Committee
(COSTAC) a former inter-governmental advisory body on vocational education and training which was superseded by the Vocational Education, Employment and Training Advisory Committee (VEETAC), which was itself replaced by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council
(AITAC) a body which advises the ANTA Board on ways of meeting the vocational education and training needs of indigenous Australians.
Australian Industry Group
(AIG) an independent body created by the merger of the Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Manufactures, representing about 11,500 companies.
Australian Institute of Training and Development
(AITD) a national association for people involved in training and human resource development.
Australian National Training Authority
(ANTA) a Australian Government statutory authority with reponsibility for the development of national policy, goals and objectives for the vocational education and training sector; the development, management and promotion of the National Training Framework; the administration and funding of national programs; and the collection and analysis of national statistical data on the vocational education and training system. See also 'ANTA Board', 'ANTA CEOs' Committee', 'ANTA Ministerial Council'
Australian Qualifications Framework
(AQF) a nationally consistent set of qualifications for all post-compulsory education and training in Australia
Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board
(AQFAB) the body responsible for promoting, guiding and monitoring implementation of the Australian Qualifications Framework and advising the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) on any required changes to the guidelines.
Australian Quality Training Framework
The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) was developed by the Australian National Training Authority in conjunction with States and Territories, the Commonwealth and industry and was implemented from 1 July 2002. The key objective of the AQTF is to provide the basis for a nationally consistent, high quality vocational education and training system for Australia. The AQTF consists of two parts:
- Standards for Registered Training Organisations: and
- Standards for State and Territory Registering / Course Accrediting Bodies.
Australian Recognition Framework
(ARF) see 'Australian Quality Training Framework'
Australian Research Council
(ARC) a body providing advice to the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs on national research priorities and the co-ordination of research policy, and making recommendations on the allocation of resources under a range of approved programs.
Australian Standard Classification of Education
(ASCED) an Australian Bureau of Statistics classification which describes programs according to their subject matter;expected to supersede field of study and discipline group
Australian Standard Classification of Occupations
(ASCO) a hierarchical classification developed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which categorises all occupations in the Australian workforce.
Australian Standard Industrial Classification
(ASIC) a system for classifying industries developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in use before the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC).
Australian Standards Framework
(ASF) a set of eight competency levels established by the National Training Board to serve as reference points for the development and recognition of competency standards. (The Australian Standards Framework is no longer in use).
Australian Student Traineeship Foundation
(ASTF) now known as Enterprise and Career Education Foundation
Australian Traineeship System
(ATS) the former system of traineeships set up after the Kirby Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs (1985). Superseded by Australian Apprenticeships.
Australian Training Awards
a set of awards presented annually to recognise and reward students, apprentices, trainees, employers, training providers and other organisations who have demonstrated high levels of achievement or best practice in vocational education and training.
Australian Training Information Network
(also known as TRAIN) a national vocational education and training information service which has been discontinued.
Australian Training Products Ltd
(ATP) a publishing company and national clearinghouse for all national, crown-copyrighted training materials, including curriculum and non-endorsed components of Training Packages as well as other associated training resources and learning materials. Formerly known as ACTRAC Products Ltd (APL).
Australian Vocational Certificate Training System
(AVCTS) the competency-based vocational training system proposed in the Carmichael Report (1992). Superseded by the Australian Vocational Training System (AVTS), then Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (MAATS), and then by Australian Apprenticeships.
Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard
(AVETMIS Standard or AVETMISS) the agreed national data standard for the collection, analysis and reporting of vocational education and training information in Australia. The Standard consists of three parts: the AVETMIS Standard for VET Providers, the AVETMIS Standard for Australian Apprenticeships, and the AVETMIS Standard for Financial Data.
Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association
(or AVETRA) a national independent association of researchers in vocational education and training.
Australian Vocational Training System
(AVTS) a later name for the Australian Vocational Certificate Training System (AVCTS), a precursor to the Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (MAATS), now known as Australian Apprenticeships.
Australian workplace agreement
(AWA) a written agreement between an employer and an employee about the employee's wages and conditions of employment. AWAs may be negotiated collectively between an employer and a group of employees, as long as they are signed by each employee who wishes to be a party to the agreement.
AUSTUDY
an income support scheme for full-time students aged 25 years and over.
AVC
Australian Vocational Certificate.
AVCC
Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee.
AVCTS
see 'Australian Vocational Certificate Training System'
AVETMIS Standard
(also called 'AVETMISS') see 'Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard'
AVETRA
see 'Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association' AVETS Australian Vocational Education and Training System.
AVTS
see 'Australian Vocational Training System'
AWA
see 'Australian workplace agreement award'
(1) also called industrial award a determination of an industrial tribunal establishing levels of pay and conditions of employment for workers in a specified industry, occupation, or enterprise. See also 'Australian workplace agreement enterprise agreement'
(2) also called academic award or credential a qualification granted for the satisfactory completion of an accredited course. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework' award course a course that leads to a recognised qualification.
(1) also called industrial award a determination of an industrial tribunal establishing levels of pay and conditions of employment for workers in a specified industry, occupation, or enterprise. See also 'Australian workplace agreement enterprise agreement'
(2) also called academic award or credential a qualification granted for the satisfactory completion of an accredited course. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework' award course a course that leads to a recognised qualification.
award restructuring
the changing of industrial awards, including the removal of obsolete classifications, a reduction in the number of classifications, and the redefinition of a range of jobs under single classifications, in order to improve workplace productivity and the efficiency and flexibility of workers.
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BACE
(in NSW) Board of Adult and Community Education.
basic skill
a fundamental skill that is the basis of later learning or is essential for employment.
BCA
Business Council of Australia.
benchmarking
the process of comparing an organisation's performance, practices and procedures with those of leaders in the same or a different field of activity, in order to identify areas for improvement.
best practice
management practices and work processes that lead to outstanding or top-class performance and provide examples for others.
block release
the release of an employee from the workplace for periods of time, usually of a week or more, in order to undertake related training in an educational institution. The term applies particularly to apprentices and trainees. Compare 'day release'
bridging course
a course designed to equip students to take up a new subject or course by covering the gaps between the students' existing knowledge and skills and the subject or course prerequisites and assumed knowledge.
BST
Business Services Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
business
the collective term used to describe small and large businesses (in both private and public sectors), associations and unions and the individuals operating within them.
BVET
(in NSW) Board of Vocational Education and Training.
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CAEC
community adult education centre.
CAI
computer-aided (or computer-assisted) instruction; see 'computer-based training'
CAL
computer-assisted learning.
CALL
computer-assisted language learning.
campus
the grounds and buildings of an educational institution; a branch or part of an institution at a particular location, e.g. the Murray Bridge campus of the Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE.
career counselling
(also called vocational counselling) the process of assisting and guiding people in their career choices.
Carmichael Report
(in full The Australian Vocational Certificate Training System the report (published in 1992) of the Employment and Skills Formation Council, chaired by Laurie Carmichael. The report presented a strategy for meeting Australia's training needs to 2001 and included recommendations for a competency-based Vocational Certificate Training System, flexible delivery arrangements, training participation and attainment targets, and provision of a training allowance.
casual employee
an employee who generally has no entitlement to paid holiday or sick leave and who lacks the security of ongoing employment, with each job constituting a separate contract of employment. Under some awards casual employees are entitled to either holiday leave or sick leave.
casualisation
the trend towards a higher proportion of casual employment in the workforce, often in place of former permanent employment arrangements.
CBT
see 'competency-based training' or 'computer-based training'
CEDEFOP
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.
CEET
see 'Centre for the Economics of Education and Training'
Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia
(CRLRA) a research centre based at the University of Tasmania, an ANTA research partner for 2000–2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.
Centre for the Economics of Education and Training
(CEET) a collaborative research centre of Monash University and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), an ANTA key research centre for 2000–2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.
Centrelink
a statutory authority providing information and assistance relating to a range of Australian Government programs, including all services formerly provided by the Department of Social Security, as well as childcare and student assistance payments and services, registration of all new applicants for income support and employment assistance, self-help job search facilities, referrals for employment assistance, and specialist labour market assistance services for disadvantaged groups.
CEO
Chief Executive Officer.
Certificates I – IV
a set of qualifications awarded in the vocational education and training sector and recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The four levels of certificate recognise increasing levels of skill.
Certificates in General Education for Adults
(CGEA) an adult basic education curriculum, covering reading and writing, oral communication, numeracy and mathematics, and general education skills.
Certificates in Spoken and Written English
(CSWE) a competency-based curriculum framework developed for use in the Adult Migrant English Program.
certification
the formal acknowledgement of successful achievement of a defined set of outcomes.
CESOL
Certificate in English for speakers of other languages.
CGEA
see 'Certificates in General Education for Adults'
CHRDT
Centre for Human Resource Development and Training, based at the University of Melbourne. Formerly known as the Department of Vocational Education and Training (DVET).
CIRCIT
Centre for International Research on Communication and Information Technologies, based at RMIT University.
class contact hours
the number of hours in any given period for which a teacher is programmed to be in contact with classes of students.
client
a person or organisation using a service. In vocational education and training, the client may be a student, apprentice, trainee, employer, enterprise, industry training advisory body, industry organisation, or employment organisation.
client focus
a strategy in which the needs of clients are the primary focus.
client service charter
(also called customer service charter) a document setting out an organisation's undertakings to improve its services to its clients and stakeholders, developed in consultation with clients and stakeholders. The body then reports annually on its performance against its service charter undertakings.
CLMR
Centre for Labour Market Research,a consortium of Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.
CLWR
Centre for Learning and Work Research, based at Griffith University.
CML
see 'computer-managed learning'
COAG
Council of Australian Governments.
coding
is a system to identify each Training Package, its component qualifications and competency units, as well as "stand alone" competency standards.
college
1 an institution providing post-secondary education, especially technical and professional training, e.g.TAFE college, business college.
2 a school, especially a non-government school or a senior secondary school.
2 a school, especially a non-government school or a senior secondary school.
community centre
(also called community learning centre, neighbourhood centre) a place providing social, educational and recreational facilities for the community.
community college
an educational institution for adults, offering a range of general, vocational, recreational and leisure courses, as well as subjects for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
community education
education programs which are community-based and community-directed and intended primarily for the members of the local community. See also 'adult and community education'
Community Services and Health Training Australia
a national industry training advisory body.
competencies
(see 'unit of competency') term which refers to multiple units of competency
competency
(also competence) the ability to perform tasks and duties to the standard expected in employment.
competency standard
an industry-determined specification of performance which sets out the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to operate effectively in employment. Competency standards are made up of units of competency, which are themselves made up of elements of competency, together with performance criteria, a range of variables, and an evidence guide. Competency standards are an endorsed component of a Training Package.
competency-based assessment
(or CBA) the gathering and judging of evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard of competence.
competency-based training
(or CBT) training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency standards.
competitive tendering
a system in which providers of a service bid competitively for contracts.
compliance audit
(also compliance assessment) an external assessment of conformity with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations or recognised quality standards.
computer-based training
(also called computer-aided instruction) an educational method in which a computer is the primary medium for instruction and learning.
computer-managed learning
(CML) the use of computer systems and packages for managing learning, automating much of the assessment and administration associated with teaching or training programs. Computer-managed learning differs from computer-based training, in that the computer is not generally used as the primary medium of delivery.
contextualisation
the addition of industry or enterprise specific information to a unitof competency to improve the standards relevance to industry.
continuing education
educational programs for adults, usually at the post-secondary level and offered as part-time or short courses in personal, academic or occupational subject areas.
continuous improvement
a planned process which allows an organisation to systematically review and improve the quality of its products, services and associated processes.
contract of training
(also called training agreement) a legal agreement between an employer and an apprentice or trainee, which defines the rights and responsibilities of each party. These include the employer guaranteeing to train the apprentice or trainee in the agreed occupation or training area, and to allow time off work to attend any required off-the-job training; and the apprentice or trainee agreeing to learn all aspects of the occupation or training area, and to work for the employer for a specified period. Contracts of training supersede indentures.
co-operative learning
a learning method in which students work together in small groups.
Co-operative Research Centres Program
(CRC) Program a program established to strengthen collaborative research links between industry, research organisations, educational institutions and relevant government agencies.
copyright
the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish or otherwise control the use of a work, granted to the creator, author, composer, artist, publisher, etc. for a specified period.
core competencies
identifies units of competency within a competency standard that an industry has agreed are essential to be achieved if a person is to be accepted as competent at a particular level. All units may be core, but in many cases competency at a level will involve core units plus optional or specialisation units of competency. Core competencies are normally those central to work in a particular industry.
core curriculum
that part of the curriculum which is considered essential for all students, and is usually compulsory.
corporate education
educational programs or services offered by business and industry, either in-house or co-operatively with an educational institution.
correctional education
education or training programs provided for persons in correctional institutions, especially as part of rehabilitation programs.
COSTAC
see 'Australian Government/state training Advisory Committee'
COTA
Council on the Ageing.
course
a structured and integrated program of education or training, usually consisting of a number of modules (subjects) or shorter programs, and leading to the award of a qualification.
course content
the subject matter, activities, units of competency, etc. of a course of study.
course enrolment
see 'enrolment course'
courseware
computer software and associated materials designed for educational or training purposes.
CPSC
Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education,an international, regional and inter-governmental organisation based in the Philippines.
CRAFT
Australian Government Rebate for Apprentices in Full-time Training, a subsidy to encourage employers to take on apprentices.
CRC
Co-operative Research Centre; see 'Co-operative Research Centres Program'
CREATE Australia
Cultural Research Education and Training Enterprise Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
credential
formal certification issued for successful achievement of a defined set of outcomes, e.g. successful completion of a course in recognition of having achieved particular knowledge, skills or competencies; successful completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship. See also 'qualification'
credit
(also called status or advanced standing) the acknowledgement that a person has satisfied the requirements of a module (subject) or unit of competency either through previous study (credit transfer) or through work or life experience (recognition of prior learning). The granting of credit exempts the student from that part of the course.
credit transfer
the granting of status or credit by an institution or training organisation to students for modules (subjects) or units of competency completed at the same or another institution or training organisation. See 'credit'
CREEW
Centre for Research in Education, Equity and Work, based at the University of South Australia.
CRICOS
see 'Australian Government Register of Institutions' and 'Courses for Overseas Students'
CRLRA
see 'Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia'. Cross-border training training delivered in a state or territory by a provider registered in a different state or territory. See also 'mutual recognition'
CS & HTA cross industry competency standards
units of competency that are common to a number of industries. The units of competency may be grouped to relate to certain functions of work common across those industries. They are developed by recognised competency standards bodies.
CSIRO
Australian Government Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
CSWE
see 'Certificates in Spoken and Written English'
CTA
Construction Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
current competency
a competency currently possessed by a person. People can lose competence over time, and having been competent in the past may need further training and practice to demonstrate current competency. See also 'recognition of current competencies'
curriculum
the specifications for a course or subject (module) which describe all the learning experiences a student undergoes, generally including objectives, content, intended learning outcomes, teaching methodology, recommended or prescribed assessment tasks, assessment exemplars, etc.
Curriculum Corporation
a company owned by all state, territory and Australian Government Ministers of Education, which facilitates curriculum development among schools. Curriculum Corporation also manages two major national databases: OZJAC (the Australian Courses and Careers Database) and SCIS (the Schools Catalogue Information Service).
curriculum hours
the teaching time deemed necessary to cover the content of a course, subject or module when undertaken in standard classroom delivery mode.
CURVE
Centre Undertaking Research in Vocational Education, at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
customer service charter
see 'client service charter'
customisation
tailoring to individual requirements; (in vocational education and training) the process of tailoring a program to meet the specific needs of clients. Customised qualifications are devised by Registered Training Organisations, created through combining competency standards drawn from two or more different endorsed Training Packages to create a new qualification outcome. Such qualifications must meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework, the Customisation Policy of the National Training Quality Council and the customisation advice of the relevant Training Packages.
CVA
Canadian Vocational Association.
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day release
the release of an employee from the workplace, usually for one day per week, in order to undertake related training in an educational institution. The term applies particularly to apprentices and trainees. Compare 'block release'
declared vocation
a trade occupation specified in legislation, regulations or an industrial award for which the entrance requirement is successful completion of an apprenticeship. With the implementation of Australian Apprenticeships, declared vocations have been abolished in most states and territories.
DECS
(in the ACT) Department of Education and Community Services.
DEET
Department of Employment, Education and Training, superseded by the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA).
DEETYA
Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, superseded by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) and the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB).
degree
a qualification conferred in the higher education sector on successful completion of a course of study or as an honour. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'
delivery and assessment strategies
means delivery and assessment strategies for each qualification, or part thereof, within the registered training organisation's scope of registration. Delivery and assessment strategies are determined and developed by the registered training organisation with industry input into the development of the assessment strategy. Each delivery and assessment strategy should include identification of the target groups, delivery and assessment modes and strategies and pathways for learning and assessment.
delivery type
a classification in AVETMISS which describes the method(s) used to impart the knowledge or skills required to complete a module or unit of competency.
demand occupation
(also called occupation in demand) an occupation in which there is an actual or expected shortage of qualified workers.
Department of Education, Science and Training
(DEST) the Australian Government Department responsible for public and private schools and school systems, higher education institutions and research, vocational education and training, student and youth affairs, school to work transition programs, indigenous employment and education, and internationalisation of Australia's education and training systems. Formerly, the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA),and before that the Department of Employment, Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) and earlier the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET).
deregulation
the removal of regulations that control or restrict the operations of an industry or enterprise.
DET
(in NSW) Department of Education and Training.
DET
(in Queensland) Department of Employment and Training
DETE
(in SA)Department of Education, Training and Employment.
DETYA
Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, superseded by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).
Deveson Report
in full Training costs of award restructuring: Report of the Training Costs Review Committee the report (published in 1990) of an independent review committee chaired by Ivan Deveson.The report established the concept of the open training market which encourages diversity and competition amongst vocational education and training providers.
DEWRSB
Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business.
DfEE
(in the UK) Department for Education and Employment.
DHTVET
(in Cambodia) Department of Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
DIMA
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
diploma
a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'
disability
a physical or mental incapacity, either congenital or resulting from an injury or illness etc.
discipline
a branch or area of learning.
discipline group
a classification in AVETMISS which describes the primary content of a module, independently of the course or context in which it may be taught.
distance education
(also called external studies) a mode of education in which students enrolled in a course do not attend the institution, but study off-campus and may submit assignments by mail or email.
DOVE
(in Thailand) Department of Vocational Education.
dropout
a person who discontinues a program of education or training.
DTAVE
(in Myanmar) Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education.
DTVE
(in Indonesia) Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education.
dual accreditation
(also called dual recognition recognition of a course both academically (by a school or college) and vocationally (by an employer or industry).
dual enrolment
enrolment of a student in two institutions at the same time.
Dusseldorp Skills Forum
an independent non-profit association aiming to stimulate innovation in education; to promote skills development in the wider community, especially in young people; and to emphasise the importance of the workforce in Australia's continuing development.
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ECEF
See 'Enterprise and Careers Education Foundation'
EdNA
(also called EdNA Online or Education Network Australia) -an Australian network of education services (at www.vet.edna.edu.au) covering the schools, vocational education and training (VET), adult and community education (ACE), and higher education sectors.
EdNA VET Advisory Group
see 'Flexible Learning Advisory Group'
education
(1) the process of imparting knowledge or developing skills, understanding, attitudes, character or behaviours.
(2) the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, etc.
(3) the knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes,etc. acquired.
(4) the field of study concerned with teaching and learning.
(2) the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, etc.
(3) the knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes,etc. acquired.
(4) the field of study concerned with teaching and learning.
Education Network Australia
see 'EdNA'
education provider
an organisation which administers or delivers education programs particularly, but may also deliver training programs. See also 'vocational education' and 'training provider'
Education.Au Limited
a company owned by the Ministers of Education and Training in all states, territories and the Australian Government which aims to foster collaboration and co-operation in relation to the use of the internet in education, managing Education Network Australia (EdNA) on behalf of the Australian education community. Education.Au Limited was formerly known as the Open Learning Technology Corporation (OLTC) Ltd.
educational assessment
see 'assessment'
educational institution
any establishment providing education, including schools, colleges, universities and institutes.
EEO
equal employment opportunity.
element of competency
any of the basic building blocks of a unit of competency which describe the key activities or elements of the work covered by the unit.
ELICOS
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.
ELLS
see 'English Language and Literacy Services'
ELT
see 'entry-level training'
employed person
a person who works in a job or business or on a farm, either as an employee, employer, own account worker, or contributing family worker.
employee
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines employee in the following way: An employee is a person who works for a public or private employer and receives remuneration in wages, salary, a retainer fee by their employer while working on a commission basis, tips, piece-rates or payment in kind, or a person who operates his or her own incorporated enterprise with or without hiring employees. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.69
employer
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines employer as: An employer is a person who operates his or her own unincorporated economic enterprise or engages independently in a profession or trade, and hires one or more employees. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.69
employment
a person's work, occupation or business.
Employment and Skills Formation Council
(or ESFC) a council of the former National Board of Employment, Education and Training which was responsible for vocational education and training and employment issues. The ESFC no longer exists.
endorsed component
the central part of a Training Package, endorsed by the National Training Quality Council, comprising competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. Compare non-endorsed component
endorsement approval
the term used for the formal approval or recognition by the National Training Quality Council of the core components of a training package, i.e. the competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. See also 'quality endorsement'
English Language and Literacy Services
(or ELLS) (in SA) a provider of English language and literacy programs for immigrants and refugees, as well as settlement and orientation services, counselling and support services, and assistance to jobseekers.
enrolment
(1) the registration of a person with an education or training provider for the purpose of undertaking a course or module.
(2) the total number of registered participants in an education or training program.
(2) the total number of registered participants in an education or training program.
enterprise agreement
a collective agreement between the employer and employees in an enterprise or workplace, about the employees' wages and conditions of employment. Agreements can be negotiated directly with employees or with their representatives, e.g. unions.
Enterprise and Career Education Foundation
(ECEF) an organisation which promotes partnerships between schools and industry at the local level to develop and implement vocational education and training (VET)in schools programs combining vocational study in school with structured workplace learning.
Enterprise and Careers Education Foundation
(ECEF) a new organisation which builds on the achievements of the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation (ASTF). The ECEF supports and encourages effective school-industry partnerships to link businesses, schools and communities to create a greater diversity of learning experiences. The ECEF aims to help young Australians acquire enterprise and career knowledge and experience before they leave school. A key role is the continued promotion of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) for Year 11 and 12 students.
enterprise bargaining
a process of negotiation on wages and conditions between the employer and employees (or their representatives) in an enterprise or workplace, leading to an agreement for that enterprise or workplace.
entry requirements
the qualifications,knowledge,skills or experience required for entry to an education or training program.
entry-level skill
a skill required to commence employment in an organisation or more generally, to gain entry into the workforce.
entry-level training
(or ELT) training undertaken to gain entry into the workforce or further vocational education and training.
equity
fairness, social justice. In vocational education and training, equity policy incorporates measures to improve access to, participation in, and outcomes of vocational education and training for those who may be disadvantaged or have traditionally been under-represented, especially indigenous Australians, people with a disability, women, people in remote and rural communities, and people from a non-English-speaking background.
equivalency test
a test to measure the extent to which a person's existing knowledge or skills satisfy the requirements of an education or training program or a job. See also 'recognition of prior learning'
ERIC/ACVE
Educational Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, an education information network, part of the National Library of Education, United States Department of Education.
ESB
English-speaking background; contrasts with NESB ESFC see 'Employment and Skills Formation Council'
ESL
English as a second language.
ESOL
English for speakers of other languages.
ESOS
Education Services for Overseas Students.
ESP
English for specific purposes. ESRA Employment Services Regulatory Authority.
EUROP
the official publisher of the institutions of the European Union.
EVAG
see 'EdNA VET Advisory Group'
evaluation
the process or results of an assessment or appraisal in relation to stated objectives, standards, or criteria; in vocational education and training may be applied to organisations, programs, policies, courses, etc.
evening class
a program of education or training offered in the evening.
evidence guide
the part of a competency standard which provides a guide to the interpretation and assessment of the unit of competency, including the aspects which need to be emphasised in assessment, relationships to other units, and the required evidence of competency.
experiential learning
learning through experience, either in a real situation such as a workplace or in role play.
extension education
educational activities such as short courses, evening classes, seminars and workshops provided by educational institutions for people outside their usual student body.
external student
a student enrolled in a course and studying at home or off-campus.
external studies
(also called distance education) a mode of study in which students enrolled in an education or training program do not attend the institution, but study off-campus and may submit assignments by mail or email.
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facilitator
a person who helps students learn by discovering things for themselves.
FAFPESC
Forest and Forest Products Employment Skills Company Ltd, a national industry training advisory body.
FE
see 'further education'
fee-for-service training
training for which most or all of the cost is borne by the student or a person or organisation on behalf of the student.
FET
further education and training, a term used especially in South Africa for the vocational education and training (VET)sector.
field of study
a hierarchical classification which describes the major subject matter of a course.
field placement
see 'work placement'
Finn Report
(in full Young people's participation in post-compulsory education and training) the report (published in 1991) of a review committee of the Australian Education Council chaired by Brian Finn. The report proposed new national targets for participation and levels of attainment in post-compulsory education and training, recommended reform of entry-level training arrangements, and identified six key areas of competence essential for all young people in preparation for employment.
FLAG
see 'Flexible Learning Advisory Group'
flexible delivery
a range of approaches to providing education and training, giving learners greater choice of when, where and how they learn. Flexible delivery may involve distance education, mixed-mode delivery, online education, self-paced learning, self-directed learning, etc.
flexible learning
the provision of a range of learning modes or methods, giving learners greater choice of when, where and how they learn. See also 'flexible delivery'
Flexible Learning Advisory Group
(FLAG) is a strategically focused group of senior VET personnel who provide advice on national issues related to the directions and priorities for flexible learning in vocational education and training to a number of national bodies including the ANTA CEOs committee and the ANTA Board.
FNTC
Fiji National Training Council.
formal education
also formal training education or training provided in educational institutions such as schools, universities, colleges, etc.or off the job in a workplace,usually involving direction from a teacher or instructor.
Framing the Future
now known as 'Reframing The Future'
Frontline Management Initiative
(FMI) a training program in management skills and practices for frontline managers in a wide range of industries.
FTE
see 'full-time equivalent'
full-time equivalent
(FTE) a teaching or study load expressed as a proportion of the normal full-time teaching or study load.
full-time student
a student who has a full-time study load. For AUSTUDY entitlement, the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs regards a normal full-time study load as 720 student contact hours in a year, and any student undertaking 540 hours or more is regarded as a full-time student.
full-time worker
a person working all the normal working hours.The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines full-time workers as: Employed persons who usually worked 35 hours or more a week (in all jobs) and others who, although usually working less than 35 hours a week, worked 35 hours or more during the reference week. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.69
further education
(FE) post-secondary education, including higher education, adult education, and vocational education and training.
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general adult education
education programs for adults undertaken for personal enrichment,personal development,general interest or recreation. General adult education programs do not have a specific vocational intent.
generic competencies
see 'key competency'
generic skill
a skill which is not specific to work in a particular occupation or industry, but is important for work, education and life generally, e.g.communication skills, mathematical skills, organisational skills, computer literacy, interpersonal competence, and analytical skills. See also 'key competency'
GNVQ
(in the UK) General National Vocational Qualification. See also 'NVQ'
GREAT
Group for Research in Employment and Training, a research centre based at Charles Sturt University.
Group Training Australia
(GTA) the national professional association for group training companies.
group training company
a company which employs apprentices and trainees, and places them with one or more host employers who are usually small to medium-sized businesses. The host employers provide on-the-job training and experience, while the group training company organises off-the-job training, and handles recruitment, rotation and payroll.
GSVQ
General Scottish Vocational Qualification. See also 'SVQ'
GTA
see 'Group Training Australia'
GTC
see 'group training company'
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HECS
1 see 'Higher Education Contribution Scheme'
2 the student's contribution payable under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme.
2 the student's contribution payable under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme.
higher education
post-secondary education offered by a university or other recognised higher education institution, or through Open Learning Australia, leading to the award of a degree or higher level qualification.
Higher Education Contribution Scheme
(HECS) a funding arrangement whereby students pay part of the cost of their higher education, and the Australian Government pays the rest.
Hilmer Report
(in full National Competition Policy) the report (released in 1993) of the Independent Committee of Inquiry chaired by Professor Fred Hilmer which recommended on the form, content and implementation of a national competition policy in all aspects of government services. In the vocational education and training sector this resulted in the development of the open training market.
HR
human resources.
HSC
(NSW) Higher School Certificate. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
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ICAE
International Council for Adult Education.
ICEA
International Community Education Association.
IEDA
see 'Indigenous Education Direct Assistance'
IELTS
International English Language Testing System.
IESIP
see 'Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program'
ILM
internal labour market.
ILO
International Labour Organisation; International Labour Office.
indenture
(historically) the legal agreement between an apprentice and an employer under which the apprentice was bound to the employer for a specified period in return for the training received; superseded by contract of training or training agreement.
indigenous education
education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; educational programs specially designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Indigenous Education Direct Assistance
(or IEDA) a government program for indigenous Australians comprising the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS), the Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness (ASSPA) Program, and the Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme (VEGAS).
Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program
(or IESIP) the principal government program addressing equity issues in indigenous education, aiming to improve access, participation and outcomes, and to involve indigenous people in decision-making. Previously known as the Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program (AESIP).
industrial award
see 'award'
industry organisation
an organisation representing an industry, including peak business and employer organisations, as well as specific industry advisory bodies including industry skills councils.
industry restructuring
a process of changing the forms of work organisation within enterprises and across industry in order to improve productivity, competitiveness, quality and flexibility. This may involve job redesign, award restructuring, new technology, and ongoing training or retraining of workers.
industry training advisory body
(or ITAB) also called industry training advisory board or industry advisory body an organisation, usually an incorporated association or company, recognised as representing a particular industry and providing advice to government on the vocational education and training needs of its particular industry.
industry training council
(or ITC) a body established by an industry or business sector to address training issues. See also 'industry training advisory body'
informal education
the acquisition of knowledge and skills through experience, reading, social contact, etc. Compare 'non-formal education'
information literacy
the ability to identify an information need, and then to find, collect, organise, evaluate,and use the information.
in-service training
training and professional development of staff, often sponsored by the employer, and usually provided during normal working hours.
institute of TAFE
a regional grouping of TAFE college campuses with common management and administration and sharing some functions and resources.
instructional design
the design and development of instructional materials and learning activities to meet learning needs.
integrated assessment
an approach to assessment that covers multiple elements and/or units of competence from relevant competency standards. The integrated approach attempts to combine knowledge, understanding, problem solving, technical skills, attitudes and ethics into an assessment task with the aim of reducing the time spent on testing as well as making assessment more 'authentic'.
International Vocational Education and Training Association
(or IVETA) a network of vocational educators, vocational skills training organisations, business and industrial firms, and other individuals and groups interested or involved in vocational education and training worldwide.
ISCED
International Standard Classification of Education.
ISO
International Organisation for Standardisation, also known as International Standards Organisation.
ISO 9000
a set of internationally recognised and accepted standards, some of which specify requirements for quality systems (e.g. ISO 9001), while others provide guidance to aid in the interpretation and implementation of the quality system (e.g. ISO 9000-2).
IT Skills Hub (Incorporating the IT&Titab)
national information technology and telecommunications industry advisory body.
ITAB
see 'industry training advisory body'
ITC
see 'industry training council'
IVETA
see 'International Vocational Education and Training Association'. JAC a former name of OZJAC
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JET
see 'Jobs, Education and Training'
job
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines job as: Any employment, full-time or part-time, lasting two weeks or more. Source: ABS cat. no. 6220.0, Persons not in the labour force, September 1998, p.42
Job and Course Explorer
a former name of OZJAC
Job Guide
a guide produced by the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs, giving information on jobs, education and training pathways. The Job Guide is available as a book, on disk and online.
Job Network
a network of private, community and government organisations assisting people to find jobs.
Job Placement, Employment and Training Program
(or JPET) a government program assisting young people to overcome problems preventing them from maintaining stable accommodation and entering into education, training or employment.
Jobs Australia Ltd
the national peak association representing not-for-profit community-based organisations providing employment services to jobseekers and employers. Formerly called National SkillShare Association.
Jobs Pathway Program
(or JPP) a government program designed to assist students in the transition from school to work by developing links between schools, industry and the local community, and through support, guidance, education and training.
Jobs, Education and Training Program
(or JET) a government program assisting eligible Centrelink clients to enter or re-enter the workforce through improved access to training, education and employment opportunities and assistance with childcare.
jobseeker
a person looking for and available for work.
JPET
see 'Job Placement, Employment and Training Program'
JPP
see 'Jobs Pathway Program'
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Kangan Report
(in full TAFE in Australia: Report on needs in technical and further education) the report (published in 1974)of the Australian Committee on Technical and Further Education chaired by Myer Kangan.The report examined needs and priorities in technical and further education and made a series of recommendations particularly in relation to funding. The report recognised the importance of technical and further education as an integral part of the nation's education system, and saw its primary role as the development of the individual rather than merely the development of skilled manpower. Other themes of the report included the need to provide opportunities for recurrent education to people throughout life, the need to link general and vocational education, the need to create pathways in education and training, the need for flexible delivery, and the need for research and data collection.
Karpin Report
(in full Enterprising nation: Renewing Australia's managers to meet the challenges of the Asia-Pacific century) the report (published in 1995) of the Industry Task Force on Leadership and Management Skills chaired by David Karpin. The report examined worldwide enterprise trends and best practice in the development of managers, identifying ways to improve management education and the development of leadership and management skills in Australia. One of the outcomes of the report was the introduction of the Frontline Management Initiative.
key competency
any of several generic skills or competencies considered essential for people to participate effectively in the workforce. Key competencies apply to work generally, rather than being specific to work in a particular occupation or industry. The Finn Report (1991) identified six key areas of competence which were subsequently developed by the Mayer committee (1992) into seven key competencies: collecting, analysing and organising information; communicating ideas and information; planning and organising activities; working with others and in teams; using mathematical ideas and techniques; solving problems; and using technology.
key performance measure
(or KPM) one of a set of measures used to monitor or evaluate the efficiency or effectiveness of a system, which may be used to demonstrate accountability and to identify areas for improvement.
key research centres
see 'ANTA key research centres'
Kirby report
(in full The report of the Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs) the report (published in 1985)of a committee chaired by Peter Kirby which recommended the rationalisation of labour market programs, the introduction of traineeships, and the establishment of the Australian Traineeship System (ATS).
KPM
see 'key performance measure'
KRIVET
Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training.
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labour force
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines labour force as: For any group, persons who were employed or unemployed, as defined. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.70
labour force participation rate
the proportion of a defined group of people who are in the labour force.
labour market
the system of relationships between the supply of people available for employment and the available jobs.
labour market program
a program designed to increase the number of people in employment or to improve the employment prospects of a target group, e.g. by the payment of subsidies to businesses who take on long-term unemployed people, young people, etc.
LAFHA
living away from home allowance.
LANRC
Language Australia National Resource Centre.
learning
(1) the process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, or skills from study ,instruction, or experience. Source: Miller & Findlay 1996, p.167
(2) the knowledge, attitudes, or skills acquired.
(2) the knowledge, attitudes, or skills acquired.
learning culture
an environment in which opportunities for learning are openly valued and supported and are built, where possible, into all activities.
learning pathway
a path or sequence of learning or experience that can be followed to attain competency. Learning pathways may be included as part of the non-endorsed component of a Training Package.
learning resource centre
(or LRC) a place in a school or college housing a collection of books and other resources (print, electronic, audiovisual, and equipment) for reference or loan to support the educational programs of the institution. Learning resource centres also conduct information literacy programs, providing instruction in the effective use of information resources. See also 'information literacy'
learning society
a society in which learning is considered important or valuable, where people are encouraged to continue to learn throughout their lives, and where the opportunity to participate in education and training is available to all. See also 'lifelong learning'
learning strategy
a non-endorsed component of a Training Package which provides information on how training programs may be organised in workplaces and training institutions. This may include information on learning pathways, model training programs, and training materials.
LearnScope
a professional development program funded by ANTA designed to assist vocational education and training providers to develop their skills in flexible delivery.
lifelong learning
the process of acquiring knowledge or skills throughout life via education, training, work and general life experiences.
LLN
language, literacy and numeracy.
logbook
a record kept by a person of the knowledge,skills or competencies attained during on-or off-the-job training.
LOTE
language(s)other than English.
LRC
see 'learning resource centre'
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MAATS
see 'Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System'
Management Enhancement Team Approach
(or META) a staff development process designed to improve the management skills of vocational education and training managers, especially in TAFE.
matriculation
(1) eligibility for admission to a university.
(2) (historically) an examination to qualify for university admission. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
(2) (historically) an examination to qualify for university admission. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
Mature Age Entry Scheme
a scheme which enables admission to further education after a period away from school instead of directly from school. Usually students enrolled through such schemes have not satisfactorily completed Year 12 of secondary education and are over 21 years of age.
Mayer Report
(in full Key competencies: Report of the committee to advise the Australian Education Council and Ministers of Vocational Education, Employment and Training on employment-related key competencies for post-compulsory education and training) the report (released in 1992) of a committee chaired by Eric Mayer which developed the concept of key competencies recommended in the Finn Report (1991). See also 'key competency'
MCEETYA
see 'Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs'.
mentor
an experienced and trusted advisor.
MERSITAB
Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Industry Training Advisory Body Ltd, a national industry advisory body.
META
see 'Management Enhancement Team Approach'
migrant adult education
see 'adult migrant education'
MINCO
see 'ANTA Ministerial Council'
minimum competency
an essential skill for a given age, grade, or level of performance.
Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs
(or MCEETYA) a body comprising state, territory, Australian Government and New Zealand Ministers with responsibility for the portfolios of education, employment, training and youth affairs, with Papua New Guinea and Norfolk Island having observer status. MCEETYA's areas of responsibility include all sectors of education and training as well as employment and youth affairs. MCEETYA replaced three previously existing councils: the Australian Education Council (AEC), the Council of Ministers of Vocational Education, Employment and Training (MOVEET) and the Youth Ministers Council (YMC).
mixed-mode delivery
(also called mixed delivery) a combination of learning modes to deliver a course or module, such as distance education and face-to-face study in classes, tutorials, practical sessions or workshops.
moderation
(in assessment) the process of establishing comparability of standards of student performance across different courses, institutions or organisations, in order to ensure that assessment is valid, reliable and fair.
Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System
(or MAATS) an entry-level training system, now known as Australian Apprenticeships.
modular course
a course composed of modules.
module
(also called subject) a unit of education or training which can be completed on its own or as part of a course. Modules may also result in the attainment of one or more units of competency.
MOVEET
Ministers of Vocational Education, Employment and Training, a former council of Australian Government, state and territory Ministers, superseded by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment,Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA).
MTIA
Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia, now part of the Australian Industry Group.
multiskilling
training workers in a number of skills, enabling them to perform a variety of tasks or functions across traditional boundaries. Multiskilling may be horizontal (broad skilling), vertical (upskilling) or diagonal (contributory skilling).
mutual recognition
a feature of the Australian Quality Training Framework which allows a registered training organisation (RTO) registered in one state or territory to operate in another without a further registration process, qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any RTO to be accepted and recognised by all other RTOs, and Training Packages endorsed by the National Training Framework Committee to be delivered by all RTOs registered to do so.
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NACVETS
see 'National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics'
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy
(or AEP) Australia's national policy on indigenous education with the primary objective of bringing equity in education for indigenous Australians.
National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics
(or NACVETS) an advisory committee to the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and training statistics. It replaced the Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (ACVETS), and is now called the National Training Statistics Committee (NTSC).
National Assessors and Workplace Trainers Body
(or NAWTB) a project group of Business Services Training Australia providing information, services and support for competency-based workplace training and assessment.
National Board of Employment, Education and Training
(or NBEET) a former body whose role was to provide co-ordinated, independent advice to the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research
(or NCVER) a national research, evaluation and information organisation for the vocational education and training (VET)sector in Australia, jointly owned by the Australian Government, state and territory ministers responsible for vocational education and training. As well as conducting VET research and evaluation on national projects, and commissioning and managing the national program of VET research (NVETRE), NCVER provides research, development and implementation assistance on a commercial consulting basis. NCVER also collects and disseminates national VET statistics and manages a program of surveys of VET graduate students and employers. NCVER disseminates information on VET through the VOCED research database, library and clearinghouse, conferences, workshops, sales of printed publications and maintenance of a web site (http://www. ncver.edu.au/).
National Consistency Advisory Committee
(NCAC) a committee established by the ANTA Ministerial Council. Reporting to the ANTA Board, the NCAC is working towards achieving a fully integrated national vocational education system. The NCAC is the principal consultation mechanism for work on the following issues which were identified in the June 2000 report to ANTA MINCO on national consistency.
National Employment and Training Taskforce
(also called NETTFORCE) a former body whose role was to encourage industry involvement in training.
National Framework for the Recognition of Training
(or NFROT) a framework which established national principles for accreditation of courses, registration of training providers, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, and assessment. Replaced by the Australian Recognition Framework (ARF), and the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).
National Managed Research and Evaluation Program
see 'National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program'
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
(or NOOSR) a branch of the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) which provides information, advice and assistance in relation to the recognition of overseas qualifications and skills, and assists other countries in recognising Australian qualifications. National Reporting System (or NRS a national framework for reporting outcomes of adult English language, literacy and numeracy programs.
National Reporting System
a national framework for reporting outcomes of adult English language, literacy and numeracy programs
National Research Centre on Vocational Education and Training for Young People
a collaborative research centre of the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, an ANTA research partner for 2000 – 2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.
National Skills Framework
The National Skills Framework has been developed to simplify the way training is regulated, who is responsible for it, and how high standards of quality can be guaranteed within Australia's training system. The National Skills Framework consists of two interconnected features:
- Quality Delivery, which is ensured through the Australian Quality Training Framework's standards for Registered Training Organisations and registering authorities (STAs);
- Quality Training Products including Training Packages, accredited courses and supporting material.
National Training Board
(or NTB) a former company owned by the Australian Government, states and territories which was responsible for ratifying vocational competency standards. The NTB amalgamated with the Australian Committee for Training Curriculum (ACTRAC) to form the Standards and Curriculum Council (SCC), which was subsequently replaced by ANTA's National Training Framework Committee.
National Training Framework
the system of vocational education and training that applies nationally. It is made up of the Australian Quality Training Framework and nationally endorsed Training Packages.
National Training Information Service
The National Training Information Service (NTIS) has been developed to provide access to training information and products. Currently, the NTIS comprises a database of:
- Nationally recognised qualifications
- Accredited courses
- Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
- Units of competency
- Training Packages and
- State Training Authorities (STAs), Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) and Developers.
National Training Quality Council
(NTQC) a body established by ANTA
National Training Quality Council (NTQC)
previously National Training Framework Committee —endorses Training Packages, and advises the ANTA Board on policies to ensure quality and national consistency of training outcomes and the relevance of training to industry and regional needs.
national training reform agenda
(or NTRA) a term given to a series of reforms in vocational education and training designed to improve the competitiveness of Australian industry, which were introduced by Australian Government, state and territory Governments from about 1990, and later overseen by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
National Training Statistics Committee
(or NTSC) a committee which provides advice to the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and training statistics. This committee replaced the National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (NACVETS).
National Vocational Education and Training Clearinghouse Information Network
a national network of 12 clearinghouses, including one in New Zealand, holding detailed information about vocational education and training research, policy and practice in Australia and internationally, with emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) acts as the National Clearinghouse and co-ordinates the network. Materials available from the clearinghouses are entered and indexed in the Vocational Education and Training Research Database (VOCED) produced by the National Clearinghouse and available online
National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program
(or NVETRE); also called 'National Managed Research and Evaluation Program'— a program of research funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), managed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) who commissions the program of research and disseminates the results to stakeholders.
National WRAPS
National Wholesale, Retail and Personal Services Industry Training Council.
Nationally Recognised Training
The Nationally Recognised Training logo is used to signify that the associated training has met nationally agreed standards. The logo may be displayed in association with a training organisation that has been formally recognised by the relevant State / Territory Training Authority to deliver training or it may be displayed in association with an accredited course or a Training Package and/or one of the components.
Nationally Recognised Training logo
is the approved logo used to signify that training and assessment products and services meet the requirements agreed under the National Training Framework.
NATMISS
National Management Information and Statistical System, superseded by other arrangements.
NAWTB
see 'National Assessors and Workplace Trainers Body'
NBEET
see 'National Board of Employment, Education and Training'
NCRVE
(in the US) National Center for Research in Vocational Education.
NCVER
see 'National Centre for Vocational Education Research'
neighbourhood centre
(also called neighbourhood house or community centre) a place at which social, educational, recreational, and other activities are provided for the community.
NESB
non-English-speaking background.
NETTFORCE
see 'National Employment and Training Taskforce'
Newstart Allowance
a government allowance paid to unemployed people who are actively seeking paid work and are participating in activities designed to assist their employment prospects, e.g. undertaking approved training or approved voluntary work.
NFE
see 'non-formal education'
NFITAB
National Finance Industry Training Advisory Body, a national industry advisory body.
NFROT
see 'National Framework for the Recognition of Training'
NIEF
National Industry Education Forum.
NILS
National Institute of Labour Studies, a research centre based at the Flinders University of South Australia.
nominal hours (supervised)
the hours of supervised learning or training deemed necessary to cover the educational material in a training program when undertaken in standard classroom delivery mode.
nominal hours (unsupervised)
the hours of unsupervised learning or training deemed necessary to cover the educational material associated with the delivery of a training program. These hours include the time spent in work experience, industry placement or field placement.
non-compliance
in relation to RTOs means failure to comply with one or more of the Australian Recognition Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations
non-endorsed component
the parts of a Training Package not required to be endorsed by the National Training Framework Committee, including support materials for learning, training, assessment, and professional development.
non-formal education
(or NFE) organised education and training outside of the formal education system. Compare 'informal education'
non-standard employment
employment other than permanent full-time employment, including part-time, temporary, casual, on-call, self-employed, freelance, consulting and contracting arrangements.
NOOSR
see 'National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition'
NRS
see 'National Reporting System'
NTB
see 'National Training Board'
NTCE
Northern Territory Certificate of Education. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
NTETA
Northern Territory Employment and Training Authority.
NTF
see 'National Training Framework'
NTFC
see 'National Training Framework Committee'
NTIS
see 'National Training Information Service'
NTMRC
National Training Markets Research Centre, a former collaborative research centre of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd and the National Institute of Labour Studies Inc.
NTRA
see 'national training reform agenda'
NTSC
see 'National Training Statistics Committee'
NUEITAB
National Utilities and Electrotechnology Industry Training Advisory Body Ltd, a national industry advisory body.
NVETRE
see 'National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program'
NVQ
(in the UK)National Vocational Qualification.
NZQA
New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
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ODLAA
see 'Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia'
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
OET
Occupational English Test.
off-the-job training
training which takes place away from a person's job, usually off the premises, e.g. at TAFE, but may be on the premises, e.g. in a special training area.
OHS
occupational health and safety.
OLA
see 'Open Learning Australia'
OLIMCH
Open Learning Information and Materials Clearing House, based at the Adelaide Institute of TAFE.
OLM
occupational labour market.
OLTC
Open Learning Technology Corporation Ltd,now known as Education.Au Ltd
One Nation
a statement issued by the Prime Minister Paul Keating in 1992, which described the government's strategy to create jobs and strengthen the economy, and included the Australian Government's offer to assume responsibility for vocational education and training which was rejected but led to the formation of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
online education
also online learning and online training learning or training conducted via a computer network,e.g. using the internet and the World Wide Web,a local area network (LAN),or an intranet.See also 'flexible delivery'
on-site training
training conducted at the work site (e.g.in a training room) but not on the job.
on-the-job training
training undertaken in the workplace as part of the productive work of the learner.
OPCETE
(in Victoria)Office of Post Compulsory Education Training and Employment.
Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia
a professional association of people interested or involved in distance education and open learning.
open entry
(1) an admissions policy in which there are minimal entry criteria or in which standard selection criteria are relaxed or waived.
(2) an admissions policy, usually at school level, where selection is not restricted by place of residence.
(2) an admissions policy, usually at school level, where selection is not restricted by place of residence.
open learning
an approach to learning which gives students flexibility and choice over what, when, at what pace, where, and how they learn, commonly using distance education and the facilities of educational technology. See also 'flexible delivery'
Open Learning Australia
(or OLA) an educational organisation which enables people to undertake tertiary or vocational study wherever they live and beginning at any time of year, using materials supplied to their home, often supported by online study resources and television and radio programs.
Open Learning Technology Corporation Ltd
(or OLTC) the former name of Education.Au Ltd
open training market
a system of open competition among public and private providers in the provision of vocational education and training, giving users greater choice of program and provider; adopted by the ANTA Ministerial Council (MINCO) as a national policy to encourage diversity and competition among providers. See also 'Deveson Report'.
OTAE
(in ACT)Office of Training and Adult Education.
OTENDE
Open Training and Distance Education Network, an institute of TAFE NSW offering a range of training and education courses through distance education and flexible delivery.
OTFE
(in Victoria)Office of Training and Further Education, superseded by the Office of Post Compulsory Education Training and Employment (PETE).
outcome
(in education or training) a result or consequence of participation in, or completion of an education or training program, e.g. employment, promotion, higher salary, further study.
outcomes-based education
an educational system focused and organised around clearly defined outcomes which students are expected to demonstrate upon completion.
outsourcing
the practice of having goods or services provided by a person or persons outside the business or organisation.
OVET
(in Tasmania and SA) Office of Vocational Education and Training.
OVTA
(in Japan) Overseas Vocational Training Association.
OZJAC
(also called Australian Courses and Careers Database) a national database (available on CD-ROM or online) produced by Curriculum Corporation containing course and career information with links to relevant training providers and related occupations. Formerly known as JAC or Job and Course Explorer.
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packaging
the process of grouping competencies in a Training Package into combinations which represent whole jobs or key functions that are meaningful in the workplace.
participation
taking part in an activity, e.g. participation in vocational education or training; labour force participation.
participation rate
the proportion of a defined group of people undertaking a specific activity.
partnership
(in vocational education and training) an association between a non-registered organisation and a registered training organisation (RTO) to achieve recognised training.
part-time student
a student who undertakes less than the full-time study program.
part-time worker
a person working less than the normal full-time working hours. The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines part-time workers as: Employed persons who usually worked less than 35 hours per week and who did so during the reference week. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.71
pathway
a path or sequence of learning or experience that can be followed to attain competency.
PAVE
Centre for Professional and Vocational Education, a research centre based at the University of Canberra.
performance criteria
the part of a competency standard specifying the required level of performance in terms of a set of outcomes which need to be achieved in order to be deemed competent.
performance indicator
(also performance measure) a criterion or measure for monitoring or evaluating the efficiency or effectiveness of a system or service, which may be used to demonstrate accountability and to identify areas for improvement.
PETE
(in Victoria) Office of Post Compulsory Education Training and Employment.
polytechnic
an institution in some countries offering vocational or higher education courses in technical areas.
portable skill
a skill or competency that can be transferred from one work context to another.
post-compulsory education
education beyond the compulsory age prescribed by statute in each state or territory, including the senior years of secondary schooling, and all higher, further, or other post-secondary education.
post-secondary education
all education beyond secondary school level, including that delivered by universities, colleges, community providers, etc.
post-trade course
a course which provides further or more advanced training for qualified tradespersons. PRA see 'primary recognition authority'
pre-apprenticeship course
(also pre-traineeship course) a course which provides initial training in a particular industry or occupation. Successful completion of the course can assist participants in obtaining an apprenticeship or traineeship, and may enable the term of the apprentice's training agreement to be reduced.
preferred supplier arrangement
an arrangement whereby a state training system or other purchaser agrees to buy training from or give preference to a specific provider or provider sector.
prerequisite
(in vocational education and training) a requirement for admission to a particular course or module, e.g. satisfactory completion of a specific subject or course, at least five years in the workforce, etc.
prevocational course
a course designed to prepare people for vocational education and training or work, including bridging courses, basic literacy and numeracy training, or training in job skills.
prevocational education
education preparing students for the world of work, including counselling on career choices, training in general work skills and habits, and work experience.
primary learning
skills and knowledge acquired from previous study,work or life experiences. See also 'recognition of prior learning' (RPL)
primary recognition authority
(or PRA) the state or territory recognition authority responsible for registering a training organisation which operates in more than one state territory. See also 'mutual recognition'.
private provider
a non-government training organisation, including commercial providers (providing courses to industry and individuals for profit), community providers (non-profit organisations, funded by government or community sponsors), enterprise providers (companies or other organisations providing training mainly for their own employees), and industry providers (organisations providing training to enterprises across an industry).
professional continuing education
also called professional development education of adults in professional fields, updating and improving occupational skills, often involving short-term, intensive, specialised courses.
program
(1) a plan incorporating a set of actions designed to achieve certain outcomes, e.g. labour market programs, the Adult Migrant English Program.
(2) in full training program a set of education and training activities designed to achieve a specific vocational outcome, e.g. a course, module (subject), on-the-job training, etc.
(2) in full training program a set of education and training activities designed to achieve a specific vocational outcome, e.g. a course, module (subject), on-the-job training, etc.
provider
see 'vocational education and training provider'
PSETA
Public Service Education and Training Australia.
PSTA
Property Services Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body. QCA (in the UK)Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
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QE
see 'quality endorsement'
QETO
see 'quality-endorsed training organisation'
QTAC
see 'Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre'
qualification certification
awarded to a person on successful completion of a course in recognition of having achieved particular knowledge, skills or competencies. See also 'Australian Qualifications Framework'
Qualifications
National qualifications are defined in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which provides a single, coherent framework for all recognised qualifications from Senior Secondary Certification to Ph D. Within the vocational education and training sector the following nationally recognised qualifications may be issued:
- Certificate I
- Certificate II
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Vocational Graduate Certificate
- Vocational Graduate Diploma
quality
(under Australian Quality Training Framework arrangements) the level of satisfaction with and effectiveness of vocational education and training organisations, their products and services, established through conformity with the requirements set by clients and stakeholders.
quality assurance
the systems and procedures designed and implemented by an organisation to ensure that its products and services are of a consistent standard and are being continuously improved.
quality endorsement
the formal recognition awarded by a state or territory recognition or training authority to a registered training organisation on the basis of its implementation of a quality system.
quality management
encompasses all the activities that determine quality policy objectives and responsibilities, implemented by means such as quality planning, quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement within a quality system.
quality system
a management system designed to ensure that an organisation's products and services always meet or exceed defined quality standards and are subject to continuous improvement.
quality-endorsed training organisation
(or QETO) a registered training organisation which has been granted recognition by a state or territory recognition or training authority on the basis of its implementation of a quality system. Once quality-endorsed, a registered training organisation can receive delegated powers of self-management for the scope of its registered operations and self-management of accreditation of its own courses within the parameters set by the Australian Recognition Framework.
(Note: In accordance with the June 2001 ANTA MINCO decisions on the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), QETO status will have no national standing after 2003. A new policy on delegations under the AQTF will come into effect 1 March 2003.)
(Note: In accordance with the June 2001 ANTA MINCO decisions on the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), QETO status will have no national standing after 2003. A new policy on delegations under the AQTF will come into effect 1 March 2003.)
Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre
(QTAC) provides and operates a centralised tertiary application system. QTAC receives and processes applications for admission to all undergraduate courses offered by the publicly funded universities in Queensland, Bond University, the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania, and to some courses at universities in Northern New South Wales. It also processes applications to full-time associate diploma, advanced diploma and diploma courses in Queensland institutes of TAFE and selected courses from the Queensland Agricultural Colleges and some private providers of post secondary courses.
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range of variables
(also called range statement) the part of a competency standard which specifies the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply.
RATE
(in full Register of Australian Tertiary Education) the qualifications system used in the higher education sector before the introduction of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
RCC
see 'recognition of current competencies'
RCVET
see 'Research Centre for Vocational Education and Training'
reciprocal recognition authority
(or RRA) the recognition authority of the state or territory in which a registered training organisation operates through mutual recognition, while registered in a different state or territory. See also 'mutual recognition' and 'primary recognition authority'
recognition
the formal approval of training organisations, products and services operating within the vocational education and training sector (as defined by state and territory legislation).
recognition authority
see 'state recognition authority'
recognition of current competencies
(or RCC) the acknowledgement of competencies currently held by a person, acquired through training, work or life experience. More commonly known as recognition of prior learning
recognition of prior learning
(or RPL) the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject or module.
refresher course
A course which revises or updates previously acquired knowledge and skills.
registered training organisation
(or RTO) an organisation registered by a state or territory recognition authority to deliver training and/or conduct assessments and issue nationally recognised qualifications in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework.
Registered training organisations
Training organisations are registered by State/Territory Training Authorities and are required to meet AQTF standards. Only registered training organisations (RTOs) can issue AQF qualifications and deliver accredited training and assessment.
registration
the authorisation of training organisations under the Australian Quality Training Framework to deliver training and/or conduct assessments and issue nationally recognised qualifications.
reliability
(in assessment) the consistency of an assessment outcome; for example, different assessors using the same evidence making the same judgement, or the same assessor making the same judgement about the same evidence on different occasions.
renewal of registration
-in relation to RTOs means the subsequent registration of a training organisation following an audit and evaluation, conducted prior to the expiry of the initial registration period, of a registered training organisation against the requirements of the Australian Recognition Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisation.
Research Centre for Vocational Education and Training
(or RCVET) a research centre at the University of Technology, Sydney, an ANTA key research centre for 2000–2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.
research centres for vocational education and training
see 'ANTA key research centres'
research partners
are funded by ANTA to carry out a major research project over three years (2000–2002). The Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia, University of Tasmania is working on the role of VET in regional Australia. The National Research Centre for Post-Compulsory Education and Training, University of Melbourne/RMIT University is researching the experiences of young people in VET and higher education and those who leave school early and do not participate in education and training.
restructuring
see 'award restructuring industry restructuring'
retention rate
the proportion of a group of students or participants starting who continue to a particular level, e.g.the proportion of school students who complete Year 12.
retraining
training to facilitate entry to a new occupation.
risk management
the systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the tasks of identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating and monitoring risk.
RPL
see 'recognition of prior learning'
RRA
see 'reciprocal recognition authority'
RTCA
Rural Training Council of Australia Inc., a national industry training advisory body.
RTO
see 'registered training organisation' SAA Standards Association of Australia, now called Standards Australia.
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SACE
South Australian Certificate of Education. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
sanctions
means any action imposed for non-compliance with one or more of the Australian Quality Training Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations, including:
a. the imposition of specific conditions on registration;
b. amendment of registration (including a reduction in the scope of registration);
c. suspension or cancellation of registration; and
d. the imposition of fines.
a. the imposition of specific conditions on registration;
b. amendment of registration (including a reduction in the scope of registration);
c. suspension or cancellation of registration; and
d. the imposition of fines.
SATAC
see 'South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre'
SCC
see 'Standards and Curriculum Council'
scheduled hours
the hours of teaching activity (including examination time) that the provider schedules for a module or unit of competency enrolment. Compare 'curriculum hours' and 'nominal hours'
School to Work Program
a government program aimed at developing partnerships between schools and industry, business and the vocational education and training sector in order to establish accredited vocational education and training.
school to work transition
the process of transferring from school to the workforce or further study.
school-industry program
a program for Year 11 and 12 students which combines school learning with workplace learning. Many programs lead to advanced standing in an apprenticeship or traineeship or credit towards a vocational education and training course.
scope of registration
the range of operations for which a training organisation is registered, including whether it may deliver training as well as assessment, the fields or industries in which it may deliver training or assessment, and the maximum level of qualifications it may issue.
scope of registration
in relation to a training organisation means the identification of the particular services that the registered training organisation can provide. The scope of operation of a registered training organisation is also defined by specific Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications or competencies within Training Package/s and/or accredited courses.
SEAMEO VOCTECH
Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education.
secondary education
education following primary education, comprising years 7–12 (or 8–12 in some states).
sector
a division of a field of activity, e.g. the vocational education and training (VET) sector of further education, public and private VET sectors.
self-assessment
a process in which learners or organisations assess their own performance against particular standards or criteria; (in competency-based training) a process in which learners assess their own performance against competency standards; (in quality endorsement) a process in which an organisation assesses the extent to which it satisfies the criteria for quality endorsement, identifying opportunities for improvement.
self-directed learning
learning in which the learner is the principal driving force, deciding how, when, and at what pace learning takes place.
self-paced learning
learning undertaken at a student's own pace.
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
(or SSCE) a national title for senior secondary school qualifications recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework and issued by the state and territory governments. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education may include vocational education and training units leading to a relevant Certificate I–IV qualification. Each state and territory has its own Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
SES
socio-economic status.
SFEU
Scottish Further Education Unit.
short course
a course of vocational education and training which stands alone and does not usually lead to a full qualification. A statement of attainment may be issued on successful completion.
simulator
a device used especially in training to reproduce the conditions of the working situation, enabling tasks to be learned and practised safely and economically.
skill
an ability to perform a particular mental or physical activity which may be developed by training or practice. See also 'basic skill' or 'generic skill'
skill formation
the development of skills or competencies which are relevant to the workforce.
skill recognition
the recognition or acknowledgement of the validity of skills and qualifications by educational institutions, professional bodies, employers, registration authorities and other organisations.
skills analysis
an identification of the skills or competencies needed for each job.
skills audit
an identification of the skills required and held by the workforce.
skills centre
an industry or enterprise-based training facility offering a range of accredited training to enterprise employees,industry groups and individuals. Skills centres may be in-plant or standalone, or may be linked with a college or group training company.
skills passport
a record of the competencies possessed by a person and recognised through formal assessment. Proposed but not formally implemented in Australia.
skills recognition agency
an organisation that provides an assessment service and issues qualifications and statements of attainment, but does not deliver training.
skills transfer
the transfer of skills or competencies from one work context to another.
SkillShare
a not-for-profit community-based organisation assisting unemployed people to obtain and retain work. See also 'Jobs Australia Ltd'
SkillShare Program
an education, training or employment-related program organised by a SkillShare centre or agency.
small business
a business conducted on a small scale. The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines small businesses in the following way: In this publication small business refers to management units with less than 20 employees in all industries except manufacturing where they have less than 100 employees, and agriculture where they have an estimated value of agricultural operations of between $22 500 and $400 000. Source: ABS cat. no. 1321.0, Small business in Australia, 1997, p.211
South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre
(SATAC) receives and processes applications for the eight Institutes of TAFE and the three universities in SA.
special entry
(also called alternative entry or alternative category entry) entry to a course by special arrangement where a student does not meet the standard entry requirements (usually Year 12 or equivalent).
SQA
Scottish Qualifications Authority.
SRA
state/territory recognition authority;see 'state recognition authority'
SSCE
see 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
STA
state/territory training authority; see 'state training authority'
stakeholder
a person or organisation with an interest or concern in something. In vocational education and training, the stakeholders include governments, purchasers of training, providers of training, industry, industry training advisory bodies, clients and the community.
standard
a level or measure of achievement; a statement of performance or outcome criteria. See also 'competency standard'
Standards and Curriculum Council
(or SCC) a body formed by an amalgamation of the National Training Board (NTB)and Australian Committee for Training Curriculum (ACTRAC) to enable a close link between standards and curriculum. The SCC was replaced by ANTA's National Training Framework Committee.
state or territory accrediting body
means the body responsible under the state or territory vocational education and training legislation and decision making framework for all decisions relating to the administration of the accreditation of courses.
state recognition authority
(or SRA); also called state/ territory recognition authority the body in each state or territory responsible for the registration of training organisations and the accreditation of courses where no relevant Training Package exists.
state training authority
(or STA) also called state/territory training authority the body in each state or territory responsible for the operation of the vocational education and training system within that jurisdiction. Each state or territory training authority participates in the formulation of national policy, planning and objectives, and promotes and implements the agreed policies and priorities within the state or territory.
state training profile
(also called state/territory training profile) a report which outlines the planned or actual provision of publicly-funded vocational education and training in a state or territory. Plans are also sent to the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) and are used in determining Australian Government funding to states and territories for vocational education and training.
statement of attainment
certification issued to a student for partial completion of a qualification, including, where relevant, the units of competency achieved under nationally endorsed standards. Achievements recognised by statements of attainment can accumulate towards a qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework.
status
see 'credit'
strategic industry audit
the compliance audit of registered training organisations operating in a specific industry or industry sector targeted on the basis of identified risks relating to that industry or sector.
stream 1000
programs where the primary intention is recreation, leisure or personal enrichment and not the development of vocational knowledge or skills.
stream of study
a classification which describes a course in terms of the level and type of its intended vocational outcome.
structured workplace learning
(also called workplace learning and work placement) the on-the-job component of a VET in Schools program. The skills or 'learning outcomes' commonly reflect nationally recognised, industry-defined competency standards. The student is not paid by the employer.
student attrition
see 'attrition'
student contact hours
the total nominal hours (supervised)for the modules undertaken.
student load
(also called study load) the total student contact hours for the program(s) being undertaken, e.g. 540 or more hours per year is considered a full-time student load.
SVQ
Scottish Vocational Qualification.
syllabus
an outline of a course or subject (module) which lists what is to be taught or learnt.
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TAFE
a publicly funded post-secondary organisation which provides a range of technical and vocational education and training courses and other programs, e.g. entry and bridging courses,language and literacy courses, adult basic education courses, Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses, personal enrichment courses, and small business courses. Each state and territory has its own TAFE system.
TAP
Training for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders Program.
TAReC
Tasmanian Accreditation and Recognition Committee.
task analysis
a process of identifying the elements or steps which make up a task or activity, e.g. listing the elements and evidence required for a unit of competency.
TASTA
Tasmanian State Training Authority.
TCE
Tasmanian Certificate of Education.See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
TDCA
Training Development Council of Australia.
TDT
Transport and Distribution Training Australia,a national industry training advisory body.
teaching load
a teacher's normal number of teaching lessons or class contact hours per week.
Technical and Further Education
see 'TAFE'
TEFL
teaching English as a foreign language.
TER
see 'tertiary entrance rank'
tertiary admissions centre
a central admissions office in some states for people applying for entry to undergraduate or other post-secondary courses. It administers a selection system on behalf of universities and, in some states, TAFE institutes and selected registered private providers. The Northern Territory and Tasmania do not have a central admissions office.
tertiary education
formal education beyond secondary education, including higher education, vocational education and training, or other specialist post-secondary education or training; sometimes used to refer only to higher education. Also called post-secondary education or further education
tertiary entrance rank
(or TER) a ranking of students (usually based on results in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education) used by universities and some providers of vocational education and training courses when selecting the students who will be offered places in particular courses.
Tertiary Institutions Service Centre
(TISC) is an incorporated body established in 1975 by Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia. It processes applications for admission to undergraduate courses in WA and conducts the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
TESDA
(in the Philippines) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
TESL
teaching English as a second language.
TESOL
teaching English to speakers of other languages.
TISC
see 'Tertiary Institutions Service Centre'.
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language.
total quality management
(or TQM) a management system with a focus on customer satisfaction, involving a systematic approach to ensuring that products and services always meet defined standards and are subject to continuous improvement.
TQM
see 'total quality management'
TRAC
Training for Retail and Commerce, a program involving school students in skills-based learning in the workplace, supplemented with off-the-job training.
trade course
a course offered by a vocational education and training provider which covers the off-the-job requirements of an apprenticeship and supplements the on-the-job training, now being replaced by Training Package qualifications. See also 'apprenticeship'
TRAIN
Australian Training Information Network, a national vocational education and training information service which has been discontinued.
trainee
a person receiving training or undertaking a traineeship. See also 'New Apprenticeships apprentice'
traineeship
a system of vocational training combining off-the-job training at an approved training provider with on-the-job training and practical work experience. Traineeships generally take one to two years and are now a part of the New Apprenticeships system.
training
the development of skills, knowledge, attitudes, competencies, etc.through instruction or practice.
training agreement
see 'contract of training'
training authority
see 'state training authority'and 'Australian National Training Authority'
training awards
see 'Australian Training Awards'
training contract
see 'contract of training'
training culture
an environment in which training is seen as important and is closely linked with business strategy, particularly in creating competitive advantage for an enterprise. Opportunities are given to all employees to participate in training to develop their skills and competencies.
Training Guarantee Scheme
a former Australian Government initiative to encourage businesses to take responsibility for and provide training to their employees.
training market
see 'open training market'
training organisation
an organisation which provides vocational education, training and/or assessment services. See also 'registered training organisation'
Training Package
Training Packages are flexible, national products developed by industry to ensure quality training outcomes and meet current and emerging vocational skill needs. They form one of the foundation stones of the national training system. Designed to support a range of training pathways, including workplace and school-based, and to provide for a more flexible approach to training delivery, they also play a critical role in underpinning Australian Apprenticeships. All Training Packages incorporate national units of competency, assessment guidelines and national qualifications. These components, endorsed by the National Quality Council (NQC), form the basis for the assessment of competencies attained and the issuing of related national qualifications. In addition, Training Packages are supported by a number of other tools and resources, such as learning strategies, assessment materials and professional development materials. These tools and resources can help Registered Training Organisations tailor Training Packages to suit the needs of particular clients. All Training Packages will identify qualifications which can be achieved through a New Apprenticeship or traineeship pathway. Printed copies of Training Packages can be purchased from Industry Skills Councils and Australian Training Products Ltd.
training plan
a program of training and assessment which forms part of a New Apprenticeship Training Contract and is registered with the relevant state or territory training authority.
training program
a set of education and training activities designed to achieve a specific vocational outcome, e.g. a course, module (subject), on-the-job training, etc.
training provider
see 'vocational education and training provider'
training reform agenda
see 'national training reform agenda'
transition program
a program, class or course designed to prepare people for the transfer from one level of education to the next, or from education to the workforce. See also 'school to work transition'
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement
(or TTMRA) an arrangement developed under the Australia and New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA), providing for mutual recognition of registered occupations by the two countries.
TTA
Tourism Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
TTMRA
see 'Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement'
TVE
technical and vocational education, used as an equivalent term for vocational education and training (VET) in some overseas countries.
TVET
technical and vocational education and training, used as an equivalent term for vocational education and training (VET) especially in the Asia-Pacific region. This is the term now used by UNESCO.
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U3A
see 'University of the Third Age'
unemployed person
a person who is not employed but is available to work and actively seeking full-time or part-time work.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines unemployed as:
Persons aged 15 and over who were not employed during the reference week, and:
had actively looked for full-time or part-time work at any time in the four weeks up to the end of the reference week and:
were available for work in the reference week,or would have been available except for temporary illness (i.e.lasting for less than four weeks to the end of the reference week); or
were waiting to start a new job within four weeks from the end of the reference week and would have started in the reference week if the job had been available then; or
were waiting to be called back to a full-time or part-time job from which they had been stood down without pay for less than four weeks up to the end of the reference week (including the whole of the reference week) for reasons other than bad weather or plant breakdown. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.71
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines unemployed as:
Persons aged 15 and over who were not employed during the reference week, and:
had actively looked for full-time or part-time work at any time in the four weeks up to the end of the reference week and:
were available for work in the reference week,or would have been available except for temporary illness (i.e.lasting for less than four weeks to the end of the reference week); or
were waiting to start a new job within four weeks from the end of the reference week and would have started in the reference week if the job had been available then; or
were waiting to be called back to a full-time or part-time job from which they had been stood down without pay for less than four weeks up to the end of the reference week (including the whole of the reference week) for reasons other than bad weather or plant breakdown. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.71
unemployment rate
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines unemployment rate as: For any group, the number of unemployed persons expressed as a percentage of the labour force in the same group. Source: ABS cat. no. 6203.0, Labour Force, Australia, August 1999, p.72
UNESCO
United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
UNEVOC
UNESCO's International Project on Technical and Vocational Education, designed to contribute to the development and improvement of systems of technical and vocational education (TVE), promote infrastructures in research, development and planning, and facilitate the international exchange of information in these fields.
unit cost
the monetary cost of delivering a defined amount of training, usually one student contact hour.
Unit of Competency
National standards define the competencies required for effective performance in the workplace. A competency comprises the specification of knowledge and skill and the application of that knowledge and skill at an industry level, to the standard of performance required in employment. Units of competency can be either industry or enterprise based. Included on the NTIS are details of units of competency developed by industry and linked to industry sectors. Units of competency can be downloaded from the NTIS database.
unit of study
a subdivision of a course, subject, or program of study or training.
Universities Admissions Centre
(abbreviation UAC) a central admissions office for people applying for entry to undergraduate courses in NSW and the ACT, and some TAFE courses in NSW.See also "tertiary admissions centre"
university
an institution of higher education, usually offering degree and higher level courses. Some universities also offer vocational education and training courses.
University of the Third Age
(abbreviation U3A) an organisation providing educational, creative and leisure activities for older people, including some vocational education and training programs.
upskilling
improving skills, e.g.by further training.
User Choice and Australian Apprenticeships
User Choice is a national policy that aims to make the training system more responsive to clients (businesses and people interested in Australian Apprenticeships). User Choice funding pays for the provision of some Australian Apprenticeships training. It supports greater opportunity by clients to:www.newapprenticeships.gov.au
- choose between training providers (public and private);
- decide on the provider that best meets their needs; and
- negotiate with the provider on aspects of the training such as the structure and content and where and when it will be delivered.
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validation
(in research etc.) a process for confirming the correctness or soundness of information or findings. (2) (in quality assurance) an external process of verifying that an organisation satisfies the criteria for quality endorsement.
validity
the soundness of the interpretation and use of the results of an assessment.
VCAL
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning.
VCE
Victorian Certificate of Education. See also 'Senior Secondary Certificate of Education'
VEAC
Vocational Education and Assessment Centre, a research centre based at Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE.
VEETAC
Vocational Education, Employment and Training Advisory Committee, a committee which superseded the Australian Government/ State Training Advisory Committee (COSTAC) and was itself replaced by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
VEGAS
see 'Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme'
VET
see 'vocational education and training'
VET in Schools
allows school students to combine vocational studies with their general education curriculum. Students participating in VET in Schools continue to work towards their secondary school certificate. The VET component of their studies gives them credit towards a nationally recognised VET qualification. In this way, participants can keep their options open to pursue further full-time or part-time vocational training or to move into tertiary studies after school.
VETAB
(in NSW) Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board.
VETEC
(in Queensland) Vocational Education, Training and Employment Commission.
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre
(VTAC) is a centralised admissions centre for most undergraduate university and TAFE courses in Victoria
Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme
(VEGAS) a scheme under the Indigenous Education Direct Assistance Program which funds projects to improve retention rates of indigenous students and provide information about further education, training and employment options.
vocational education
education designed to develop occupational skills. See also 'vocational education and training'
vocational education and training
(VET) post-compulsory education and training, excluding degree and higher level programs delivered by higher education institutions, which provides people with occupational or work-related knowledge and skills. VET also includes programs which provide the basis for subsequent vocational programs. Alternative terms used internationally include technical and vocational education and training (TVET), vocational and technical education and training (VTET), technical and vocational education (TVE), vocational and technical education (VTE), and further education and training (FET).
vocational education and training provider
(VET provider) an organisation which delivers vocational education and training programs. In Australia,the providers of vocational education and training comprise the state and territory TAFE systems, adult and community education providers, agricultural colleges, the VET operations of some universities, schools, private providers, community organisations, industry skill centres, and commercial and enterprise training providers.See also 'registered training organisation' (RTO).
Vocational Education and Training Research Database
see 'VOCED'
vocational placement
see 'work placement'
vocational programs
are intended to develop skills of relevance to the workplace. Defined as those course/qualifications with vocational intent and those module/unit of competency enrolments not associated with a course/qualification with vocational intent.
voucher
an entitlement to education or training issued to a student and redeemable for the course and provider of the student's choice. Voucher systems are used in some overseas countries as a means of funding education or training.
VQA
Victorian Qualifications Authority. State accreditation and registration body of Victoria.
VTAC
see 'Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre'
VTE
vocational and technical education; see 'vocational education and training'
VTET
vocational and technical education and training; see 'vocational education and training'
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WADT
Western Australian Department of Training, the former name of the Western Australian Department of Training and Employment.
WBL
see 'work-based learning'
WEA
see 'Workers Educational Association'
WELL
see 'Workplace English Language and Literacy Program'
WINVET
Women in Vocational Education and Training,a network for women involved in technical and vocational education and training in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region to access information and discuss issues and ideas.
work experience
A period (usually one or two weeks) of unpaid work undertaken by secondary school students as part of their careers education, to provide some insight into the world of work. Compare 'work placement'.
work placement
(also called field placement, vocational placement, structured work placement) a period of unpaid work with an employer undertaken by VET students in order to satisfy the requirements of a course or module, with supervision provided by the employer, the training provider or both.
work-based learning
programs for both secondary and post-secondary students which provide opportunities to achieve employment-related competencies in the workplace. Work-based learning is often undertaken in conjunction with classroom or related learning, and may take the form of work placements, work experience, workplace mentoring, instruction in general workplace competencies, and broad instruction in all aspects of industry.
work-based training
training provided by an organisation primarily for its own employees using the employer's own staff or consultants. Work-based training can be conducted either on-site or at an off-site location.
Workers Educational Association
(WEA) a non-government adult community education organisation, providing vocational and leisure courses.
Working Nation
(in full Working nation: The white paper on employment and growth) a white paper issued by the Keating government in 1994 which committed the government to reducing unemployment through economic growth supported by changes to the social security system and the introduction of various labour market programs. The government also announced in the white paper the establishment of the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation (ASTF) and the National Employment and Training Taskforce (NETTFORCE).
workplace agreement
see 'Australian workplace agreement'
workplace assessment
The gathering and judging of evidence during normal work activities in order to determine whether a required standard has been achieved. Workplace assessment usually involves observation of work in progress, checking the product(s)of a work activity, and receiving oral responses to questions posed while work is in progress.
Workplace Communication in Training Packages
A project managed by ANTA with funding from the Workplace English Language and Literacy Program to incorporate language, literacy and numeracy into Training Packages.
Workplace English Language and Literacy Program
(WELL) A program provided in the workplace to develop workers' English language and literacy skills.
workplace learning
(also workplace training) learning or training undertaken in the workplace, usually on the job, including on-the-job training under normal operational conditions, and on-site training, which is conducted away from the work process (e.g. in a training room).
WorkSkills Australia Foundation
An independent non-profit organisation developed to promote the standards and status of vocational training and job skills through skills competitions and related initiatives.
WRAPS
National Wholesale, Retail and Personal Services Industry Training Council.
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