AUSTAFE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

BACKGROUND

AUSTAFE is a national network of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) professionals. Its main focus is on promoting partnerships with all vocational education and training (VET) stakeholders, providing a forum for exchange of views in relation to VET and promoting professional development opportunities for its members.

The major professional development activity for AUSTAFE Chapters and Branches across Australia is the annual National Conference.

The National Conference is hosted on a rotational basis by State and Territory AUSTAFE Chapters or Branches and aims to bring together members, affiliates and interested parties to network and discuss the latest trends, activities, policies and reforms within the Australian Vocational sector.

The 2012 conference will bring together TAFE, private sector, university, school and government stakeholders involved in VET training from entry level programs through to post-graduate Degree programs.

Each Year a seperate "Conference Web Page" is produced.

The Link to the 2012 Conference Web Page will be added to this page in coming weeks.

2012 AUSTAFE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

3-5 October 2012 - Alice Springs Northern Territory

"TAFE on TARGET"

The second decade of the 21st Century is shaping up as the next chapter in Vocational Education and Training (VET) reform in Australia.

TAFE around the country is increasingly being called upon to fill the ‘education gap’ and provide the smooth transition from secondary education right through post-graduate tertiary qualifications.

The various State and Territory Schooling systems have implemented or are undertaking major curriculum changes that provide their students with choices of academic or vocational pathways through their High School Certificates. Secondary Schools are more and more relying on VET to ensure a significant portion of their student cohort obtain their High School Certificate.

State, Territory and Federal Governments are recognising the role that VET in Schools is contributing to, at least in part, addressing the National Skills Shortage.

Dual Sector TAFE’s and Universities are becoming more common and funding reforms mooted for the VET sector will see increased demand on TAFE to provide post-graduate qualifications and Universities to provide VET qualifications

AUSTAFE Conference 2012 “TAFE on TARGET” seeks to answer the questions:
• Is TAFE hitting the Target for Secondary School students through VET in Schools (VETiS)?
• Is TAFE hitting the Target for post Secondary School students through Tertiary studies?
• Is TAFE hitting the Target for meeting the broad educational needs of Regional and Remote students?
• Is TAFE hitting the Target for meeting government, industry and community needs for a highly skilled and educated Australia?
• How is TAFE hitting the Target in equipping its staff to meet the increased training demands of the 21st Century?
• How is TAFE hitting the Target with balancing the demands of increased compliance regulations with the increased delivery needs of students?

You are invited to join us in ALICE SPRINGS at AUSTAFE Conference 2012 “TAFE on TARGET” 3rd through 5th October 2012