VET & TAFE
campusreview.com.au
“Vocational education and training is fundamental to Australia’s
future success as we transition to a 21st century economy.”
Ironically then, two of his recommendations – the blanket
banning of sales brokers, and the severe limitations proposed on
industry partnerships – could seriously threaten the viability of this
crucial sector.
Businesses, particularly smaller ones, require collaboration to
succeed. It’s unrealistic to expect a small training organisation to have
the resources and funds to build an internal sales capacity without
sacrificing another aspect of its operations.
By enforcing these particular measures, we could be jeopardising
the quality of training industry-wide. Additionally, many smaller
players may find themselves swallowed up by larger organisations
or forced to close up shop.
None of these outcomes is in the interests of students, the sector
or the wider Australian economy.
Avoiding such collateral damage is largely a matter of
consultation. As an example, when the Higher Education
Contribution Scheme (HECS) was introduced in 1989, it was off
the back of a major national public inquiry into higher-education
financing. It involved an extended period of consultation, led by
former NSW premier Neville Wran, and resulted in robust public
debate on the proposed recommendations.
In contrast, the introduction of VET-FEE HELP came about with
no such national public inquiry. Likewise, its radical extension
in 2009 and subsequent revision in 2015 have not involved a
systematic process of public inquiry in either instance.
By consulting with those on the ground, more can be achieved
than ensuring policy reflects the true needs of the industry. Such
an approach also creates much-needed buy-in from those very
organisations that will be expected to implement the reforms. It
allows the industry to take responsibility for its own actions, instead
of merely sticking to the letter of the law.
As an example, the training providers in the wake of this crisis
who have blamed their sales brokers for inappropriate enrolments
are as misguided as the employer who blames a recruitment
agency for the poor quality of their workforce. In both situations,
a third party has been hired to take care of a certain aspect of
business operations but it’s the responsibility of the organisation to
make the final decision.
And while we absolutely applaud the government for stepping
in and taking action where it was needed, we also implore our
officials to avoid a repeat of the greyhound racing industry disaster.
By working together, we can develop standards and practices that
we can all be proud of, and that serve the needs of all Australians,
creating a VET sector that provides a fair go for all. ■
Jon Lang is chief executive of Upskilled. upskilled.edu.au
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