Source: ASQA, 5 August 2019
Regulatory strategy for 2019-21—what are the strategic issues on ASQA’s agenda?
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has today released its regulatory strategy for the 2019-21 period.
The strategy sets out ASQA’s evidence-based approach to addressing both current and emerging systemic risks to the VET sector.
In 2019-21, ASQA will be continuing its close scrutiny of trainer and assessor capability and of international education. The strategy also includes a new target area, VET in Schools.
ASQA’s Chief Commissioner and CEO, Mark Paterson AO, said strong demand from overseas students has seen an increase in the number of registered providers delivering VET courses to overseas students and offering English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), or delivering training offshore.
“Our latest report is a comprehensive response to risks identified in Australia’s international VET and English language education markets,” Mr Paterson explained.
“We have found that a very high number of overseas students are satisfied with their experience gaining qualifications in Australia, so we can be confident that the majority of providers are delivering quality training.
“However more work is needed to make sure providers meet their obligations, and to ensure we have the right data to monitor activity and eliminate poor behavior.
“We are committed to working in partnership with other government and industry bodies and the regulated community to address the complex and dynamic issues facing this growing sector.”
The report contains evidence that some VET providers are not meeting their obligations to ensure overseas students receive accurate information about their courses, meet the prerequisites for courses and participate in a minimum of 20 contact hours per week. It warns that providers failing to meet these obligations can cause significant harm to overseas students, undermine the community’s confidence in the VET sector and the student visa program, and impact providers that deliver quality VET courses.
The report’s recommendations include amending the National Code to make it explicit that overseas students are required to attend courses on a full-time basis, strengthening collaboration across agencies to ensure consistent access to data and intelligence and ensuring offshore students have the same protections as students in Australia.
There are five products of concern listed for close scrutiny resulting from emerging data indicating potential issues:
- CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support
- CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
- BSB50215 Diploma of Business.
For more information, Visit the ASQA Regulatory Strategy Page.