in focus 24 may 2010
National Monday Update Issue:
Private Education Industry Survey
In 2005, NCVER released their report Private training providers in Australia:
Their characteristics and training activities, which estimated that private RTOs were providing training to about 2.2 million students or 56 per cent of the training market.
Since this time ACPET has become increasingly concerned that the absence of up to date data on the full private VET effort has hindered our attempts to pursue policy outcomes that level the playing field for private providers. Accordingly there is an urgent and pressing need for private providers to quantify their contribution to the overall industry.
This week all private RTOs in Australia will receive an invitation to participate in an ACPET commissioned survey of private training delivery. I am well aware that many providers are suffering ‘survey fatigue’ as a result of the continued increase in compliance reporting but I strongly encourage you to take the time to complete this brief survey and assist us in strengthening the position of private providers.
Confidentiality of information is of paramount importance to ACPET which is why we have engaged WHK Horwath, one of Australasia’s leading accounting firms, to collect and manage the data in and to ensure that the information you provide is not be released to any institution including ACPET.
On the international front, the fall out from the release of SOL continues and ACPET has been active across the week in seeking greater transparency and consistency from policy development affecting international students and ACPET members.
Meetings with the leaders of peak bodies representing the full spectrum of CRICOS providers, senior Department officers from DIAC and DEEWR and representations to the relevant Ministers were held in Canberra. The outcomes of these meetings will not be known in the immediate future but ACPET will continue to press the Government for better treatment of this vital export industry.
In the meantime, it is vital that students and their agents are reminded that for those students seeking a future in Australia, there remains a pathway and that the pathway begins with gaining the skills and knowledge that will allow them to obtain employment and ultimately obtain a successful practical assessment after a period in the workforce. Skill shortages exist in many industries, including those not included in the SOL and demand for skilled graduates will continue to rise.
In the media this week…
The belated release of SOL received much attention from print and electronic media, examples of which included New Migrant List will Hit Business and ABC World Today.
On a more positive note, the release of overseas student satisfaction data showing that 86% of overseas students studying with private providers are satisfied with their education experience: Private international students happy here.
ACPET National Conference in Melbourne
Quality Through Diversity is the theme for this year’s ACPET National Conference in Melbourne. The conference will showcase the best of Australia’s private education and training. The program will focus on informing and supporting members as you lead, manage and grow your business. I encourage you to visit www.acpetconference.info and register early to assure your place.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (Andrew [dot] Smith [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (click to email )Andrew [dot] Smith [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (Andrew Smith)) to discuss any of the above or to provide your ideas and input into the ongoing development of the Council.