VET
Globalise or perish
The VET sector must position itself to meet the global challenge. By David Riordan
Last century, much public discourse in Australia was based on the idea that the nation needed to‘ populate or perish’. Could a slight twist mean that this truism applies to the future of vocational education providers?
Changing technology, a competitive vocational market and an increasing level of contestable funding means Australian training providers have a stark choice – face outwardly or face closing their doors.
The TAFE NSW global challenge New South Wales has the largest vocational education and training system in Australia, with 800,000 students enrolled in more than 2,000 public and private training organisations. As a public training provider, TAFE NSW plays a key role with 10 institutes spread across 130 campuses in metropolitan and regional areas.
36 | May 2013
To achieve sustainability and to continue as a leading force in vocational education, TAFE NSW needs to fully embrace the global challenge.
Sydney Institute is an example of a training provider which has successfully embraced the challenge and this was acknowledged by winning the 2012 International Training Provider of the Year Award. As well as being the provider of choice for Australian students, Sydney Institute must attract and retain international students, who in turn will become our global ambassadors.
Navitas Limited is an example of a very successful private provider which has positioned itself as a global learning organisation, with a local footprint. Navitas began in 1994 with a single college on the campus of Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. Today, it operates in 115 locations in 27 countries. Helen Zimmerman, executive general manager of English – Navitas said,“ In the race for global talent, openness, flexibility, innovation, entrepreneurship and partnership will be critical.”
Engaging with our neighbours The vocational training sector continually evolves to meet local and global challenges. The emerging Asian market is one of the current challenges and also provides opportunities.
The Australia in the Asian Century white paper, released in October 2012, detailed how the‘ Asian Century’ is an‘ Australian Opportunity’, stating:‘ While the Australian government plays a leading role in strengthening and building relationships with partners in the region, others across a broad spectrum spanning business, unions,