On 18 July 2002 the former Minister for Education Science, and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, asked the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Training (Committee) to inquire into the current situation of vocational education in schools, its growth and development and its effectiveness in preparing students for post-school options.
The Committee invited interested persons and organisations to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by 14 October 2002. Over 100 submissions 
were received from the broad range of stakeholders, including State and Territory Governments, educational institutions and students, peak industry groups, unions and interested persons across all jurisdictions.
The inquiry hearings commenced on 13 February 2003 and were held across Australia, with the final hearing on 27 November 2003. The Final Report on the findings of the committee was released on the 29 March 2004.