Accord report focuses on more cohesive relationships between VET and higher education

The Australian Universities Accord Panel released its final report into reform of the higher education sector on 25 February 2024.

This report provided 47 recommendations, many of which have implications for dual sector and regional universities. Provost, which brings together vocational education and training (VET), higher education and research teams under one portfolio, is consistent with the review’s vision for a more integrated tertiary education sector.

Many recommendations are consistent with important initiatives already undertaken by Federation University; here are some examples of how Provost teams are responding:

  • The review stated to make qualification attainment faster and easier, Australia must ensure students can navigate more seamlessly between VET and higher education. Federation is helping to lead the way in establishing accessible pathways between TAFE and the University.
  • The review stated clean energy transition as an example of where higher education and VET sectors will need to work closely together. Federation University is leading the sector in VET, higher education and research through the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC).
  • The review makes recommendations to improve the student learning experience through better metrics and quality measures; the use of new technology in learning, teaching and research; a teaching standards framework; and greater professional development opportunities in teaching. This is consistent with Federation’s work to better utilise digital and improving teaching and learning to enhance student experience.
  • The review recommended targets for research, rewarding universities for using their research and capability to address big national challenges; and firms investing in upskilling staff to PhD level and increasing the number of PhD candidates employed in industry. This is consistent with Federation’s applied research agenda to support higher degree by research students and early career researchers.

In this newsletter you can read about how our Provost team is progressing in some of these areas identified by the panel.

You can read the full and summary report on the Australia Government, Department of Education website here: Australia Universities Accord Final Report Document