Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Training Advisory Council (or ATSIPTAC) - now AITAC
Aboriginal education (also called indigenous education) education or education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme see ABSTUDY
Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (or ATAS) a government program providing supplementary tutorial assistance and other kinds of study help to indigenous students in school or further education.
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics.
ABSTUDY Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme,a government scheme providing financial assistance to indigenous students in school or further education.
academic advisor a person working in an educational institution who assists students to choose and plan their study program.
academic award see award
acceleration progression through an education or training program at a faster rate than usual.
access and equity a policy or set of strategies to make vocational education and training available to all members of the community, to increase participation and to improve outcomes, particularly focussing on those groups that have been traditionally under-represented, especially women,indigenous Australians, people with a disability,people from a non- English-speaking background,and people from rural and remote areas.
access course a preparatory, prevocational or bridging course which prepares a student for further study or training.Access courses are offered particularly for immigrants, overseas students and adults who are seeking to re-enter the workforce.
Access Program (also called New Apprenticeships Access Program) a program providing pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship training for people who are registered as unemployed and are disadvantaged in the labour market and need preliminary training before they can successfully participate in an apprenticeship or traineeship.
ACCI Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
accreditation the formal recognition of a course by the state or territory course accrediting body in accordance with the Standards for state and territory Registering / Course Accrediting Bodies (ANTA 2001)
accredited course a structured sequence of vocational education and training that leads to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification or Statement of Attainment.
accrediting body - see state or territory Accrediting Body alignment process of relating groups of competencies with a definable work outcome, to an AQF level.
accrediting authority an organisation with the authority and responsibility for accrediting courses and training programs.
ACE see adult and community education
ACEE Australian Centre for Equity through Education.
ACER see Australian Council for Educational Research
ACFE (in Victoria) Adult, Community and Further Education.
achievement the attainment of a specified standard of performance.
ACIRRT Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training, a research centre at the University of Sydney.
ACIVC see Australian Council of Independent Vocational Colleges
ACM Australian Chamber of Manufactures, now part of the Australian Industry Group
ACOTAFE Australian Committee on Technical and Further Education. See also Kangan Report
ACPET see Australian Council for Private Education and Training
ACRC Australian Competency Research Centre, based at the Barton Institute of TAFE.
ACSA see Australian Curriculum Studies Association
action learning learning by working on real problems, implementing solutions, and reviewing and reflecting on the learning process.
active learning learning driven primarily by the learner, with the instructor acting as a facilitator. See also self-directed learning
ACTRAC see Australian Committee for Training Curriculum
ACTRAC Products Limited Australian Committee for Training Curriculum Products Limited, now known as Australian Training Products Limited (ATP).
ACTU Australian Council of Trade Unions.
ACVETS see Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics
admission criteria requirements,such as educational qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience, for entry to a particular course.
adult and community education 1 (or ACE education and training) intended principally for adults, including general, vocational, basic and community education, and recreation, leisure and personal enrichment programs. 2 (also called ACE sector the organisations and providers who deliver adult and community education programs, including evening and community colleges, Workers Educational Associations (WEA),community adult education centres, neighbourhood houses, churches, schools, TAFE institutes, universities (continuing education), University of the Third Age (U3A).
ADTAC - see Australian Disability Training Advisory Council
adult basic education (or ABE) remedial or school-level education for adults, usually with emphasis on the literacy, numeracy and social skills needed to function within the community or to gain employment.
Adult and Community Education (ACE) is an important part of a continuum of learning which offers choices of learning outcomes at various stages of an individual’s development. Generally the defining features of ACE are that it is learner-centred, responsive to community, accessible, and diverse, varied and flexible
adult education education of adults; education programs designed for adults, often incorporating approaches to education which draw on the learner ’s life or work experiences, involve learners in planning the learning activities, encourage learning in groups, as well as more self-directed learning.
adult learners week - premier annual event for ACE
adult learning the processes by which adults learn and build on their existing knowledge andskills.
Adult Learning Australia Inc. (or ALA) the peak organisation for adult and community education providers and participants
adult migrant education education programs which aim to assist adult immigrants and refugees in their settlement in Australia, including English language and literacy programs. See also Adult Migrant English Program and Advanced English for Migrants Program
Adult Migrant English Program (or AMEP) an education and settlement program funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for new immigrants and refugees providing English language teaching, counselling and support services.
Adult Migrant English Service (or AMES) - in NSW and Tasmania - a provider of English language and literacy programs and related services, including workplace training programs and consultancies for newly arrived immigrants, jobseekers, workplace clients and youth.
Adult Multicultural Education Services (or AMES) - in Victoria - a provider of English language and literacy programs and related services,also assisting clients to access training programs, obtain recognition for overseas qualifications, and gain employment.
advanced certificate a qualification under the former Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE) system of awards.
advanced diploma a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See also Australian Qualifications Framework
Advanced English for Migrants Program (or AEMP) a government program assisting immigrant jobseekers to obtain employment and overcome individual barriers to participation in vocational education and training by providing advanced English language training, generally with a vocational focus.
advanced standing (also called status or credit recognition granted to a student on the basis of previous study (credit transfer) and / or experience (recognition of prior learning), exempting the student from a particular course,subject or module.
AEC see Australian Education Council
AEI see Australian Education International
AEMP see Advanced English for Migrants Program
AEP see National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy
AEShareNet (in full Australian Education Sharing Network) an online system managed by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs for dealing with copyright issues in the vocational education and training sector.
AESIP Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program, now known as the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP).
AEU see Australian Education Union affirmative action action favouring those groups who tend to suffer from discrimination or who are under-represented in the workforce or in education and training programs.
AHRI Australian Human Resources Institute.
AIEF Australian International Education Foundation, now known as Australian Education International (AEI).
AIG see Australian Industry Group
AIM Australian Institute of Management.
AIRC Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
AITAC see Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council
AITD see Australian Institute of Training and Development
ALA see Adult Learning Australia Inc
ALBE adult literacy and basic education.
ALGA Australian Local Government Association.
ALLP Australian Language and Literacy Policy.
ALMitab Australian Light Manufacturing Industry Training Advisory Board.
Alon (also ALON) Adult Learning online database 
, an information network for the Australian adult learning community.
ALRN Adult Literacy Research Network.
ALT adult literacy teaching.
alternative entry (also called special entry) entry to a course or program by special arrangement where the learner does not meet the standard entry requirements (usually Year 12 or equivalent).
AMEP see Adult Migrant English Program
AMES see Adult Migrant English Service
annual student contact hours (or ASCH) also called annual hours the total nominal hours (supervised) for the modules undertaken in a year, used as a measure of total system delivery, e.g. for an institute, state or territory.
ANTA see Australian National Training Authority
ANTA Board the governing body of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), responsible for the organisation’s performance, advising and providing support to the ANTA Ministerial Council (MINCO)in all of its functions.
ANTA CEOs’ Committee a committee which looks at the implications of proposals before they are considered by the ANTA Board, and advises on these implications. CEOs also individually advise their ministers and consider draft resolutions for the Ministerial Council. The Committee also works to increase co-operation between state and territory vocational education and training systems.
ANTA key research centres research centres directly funded by the Australian National Training Authority under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project to undertake research and to develop specialist expertise in designated areas, in order to inform vocational education and training policy.
ANTA Ministerial Council (or MINCO) a body comprising the Australian Government, state and territory ministers responsible for vocational education and training, which decides national policy, objectives and priorities for vocational education and training.
ANTARAC Australian National Training Authority Research Advisory Council, superseded by the National Research and Evaluation Committee (NREC).
ANZSIC see Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification
APL ACTRAC Products Ltd, now known as Australian Training Products Ltd (ATP).
apprentice a person undertaking training under an apprenticeship. See also New Apprenticeships trainee
apprenticeship a system of training regulated by law or custom which combines on-the-job training and work experience while in paid employment with formal off-the-job training. The apprentice enters into a contract of training or training agreement with an employer which imposes mutual obligations on both parties. Traditionally, apprenticeships were in trade occupations (declared vocations) and were of four years’ duration. See also New Apprenticeships
approving authority a body which approves apprenticeships and traineeships for the purposes of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and determines the impact of training on productive time for apprenticeships and traineeships which are approved.
APSDEP Asian and Pacific Skill Development Program.
APSDIN Asian and Pacific Skill Development Information Network.
AQC Australian Quality Council.
AQF see Australian Qualifications Framework
AQTF - see Australian Quality Training Framework
AQFAB see Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board
ARC (1) see Australian Research Council (2) (in SA) Accreditation and Registration Council.
ARF - Australian Recognition Framework - now Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
ARIS Adult Education Resource and Information Service,managed by Language Australia.
articulation the arrangements which facilitate the movement or progression of students from one course to another, or from one education and training sector to another. See also advanced standing credit recognition of prior learning
ASCED see Australian Standard Classification of Education
ASCH see annual student contact hours
ASCO see Australian Standard Classification of Occupations
ASEAN Association of South East Asian Nations.
ASF see Australian Standards Framework
ASIC (1) see Australian Standard Industrial Classification (2) Australian Seafood Industry Council, a national industry training advisory body.
ASLPR Australian Second Language Proficiency Rating(s).
ASPBAE Asia South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education.
assessment the process of gathering and judging evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard or objective. See also competency-based assessment
assessment guidelines an endorsed component of a Training Package which underpins assessment and which sets out the industry approach to valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment. Assessment guidelines include information concerning: assessment system overview, assessor requirements, designing assessment resources, conducting assessment, sources of information on assessment.
assessment materials optional component of Training Packages that complement endorsed industry assessment guidelines and could take the form of assessment exemplars or specific assessment tasks and instructions.
assessment tool a method for the gathering of evidence for assessment, such as a knowledge test or a checklist of practical performance.
assessor a person qualified to carry out assessment.
associate diploma a qualification under the former Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE) system of awards.
ASTF see Australian Student Traineeship Foundation (now known as Enterprise and Career Education Foundation - ECEF)
ATA Automotive Training Australia Ltd, a national industry training advisory body.
ATAS see Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme
ATP see Australian Training Products Ltd
ATS see Australian Traineeship System
ATSI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
ATSIC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.
ATSIPTAC now known as Australian Indigenous Advisory Council (AITAC)
attainment reaching a particular level,accomplishing a goal; (in vocational education and training) successful completion of the requirements of a module or course. See also statement of attainment
attendance mode the nature of a student ’s attendance at an educational institution, including internal (undertaking all units of study on campus), external (undertaking all units of study off campus), or mixed-mode (a mixture of the two).
attendance pattern the pattern of a student’s attendance at an educational institution according to times of attendance and the number of contact hours.
attrition (in an educational institution) a reduction in the number of students as a result of dropping out, withdrawing, etc.
attrition rate the proportion of students starting who discontinue through withdrawal, dropping out, etc.
Audit means a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence to determine whether the activities and related outcomes of a training organisation comply with the Australian Quality Training Framework Standards for Registered Training Organisations.
auspicing the process by which a registered training organisation authorises industry or another training organisation to deliver training and / or conduct assessment.
Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (or ANZSIC) a system developed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which is used for classifying industries.
Australian Committee for Training Curriculum (or ACTRAC) a former committee which co-ordinated development of national curricula for vocational education and training. ACTRAC amalgamated with the National Training Board (NTB) to form the Standards and Curriculum Council (SCC) which was later replaced by ANTA ’s National Training Framework Committee.
Australian Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (or ACVETS) a committee which advised the ANTA Board on the collection and reporting of vocational education and superseded National Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training Statistics (NACVETS), now called the National Training Statistics Committee (NTSC).
Australian Council for Educational Research (or ACER) an independent national agency undertaking educational research and development.
Australian Council for Private Education and Training (or ACPET) a national body representing the private education and training sector in Australia.
Australian Council of Independent Vocational Colleges (or ACIVC) an industry association whose membership is made up of private colleges who deliver business and business related courses.
Australian Courses and Careers Database see OZJAC
Australasian Curriculum Assessment and Certification Authorities (ACACA) is the association of chief executive officers of the eight state and territory senior secondary certificate authorities. Its purpose is to promote curriculum, assessment and certification in schooling functions with special reference to senior secondary studies.
Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA) a professional association of curriculum workers from all levels of education which aims to promote curriculum research and the exchange of information on curriculum developments.
Australian Disability Training Advisory Council (or ADTAC) a committee which advises the ANTA Board on ways of increasing participation and improving outcomes in vocational education and training for people with a disability.
Australian Education Council (AEC) a former body comprising the Ministers of Education in each state and territory and the Australian Government. See also Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA)
Australian Education International (AEI) an Australian Government initiative, working with the Australian education and training industry to promote the industry overseas and to advance the internationalisation of Australian education and training. Formerly the Australian International Education Foundation (AIEF).
Australian Education Sharing Network see AEShareNet
Australian Education Union (AEU) the peak union and federal lobby group for public teachers and educational workers in Australia.
Australian Flexible Learning Framework is a five-year, national collaborative program of the Australian Government, states and territories in conjunction with ANTA. The Framework identifies five complementary goals that seek to create and share knowledge about flexible learning and to support its take-up in the vocational education and training sector. The goals are creative, capable people; supportive technological infrastructure; world-class online content development, applications and services; enabling policies; problem-solving regulation.
Australian Government Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (or CRICOS) an online database of courses and educational institutions or providers who are registered to offer courses for overseas students in Australia.
Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Council (AITAC) a body which advises the ANTA Board on ways of meeting the vocational education and training needs of indigenous Australians.
Australian Industry Group (AIG) an independent body created by the merger of the Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Manufactures, representing about 11,500 companies.
Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) a national association for people involved in training and human resource development.
Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) a Australian Government statutory authority with reponsibility for the development of national policy, goals and objectives for the vocational education and training sector; the development, management and promotion of the National Training Framework; the administration and funding of national programs; and the collection and analysis of national statistical data on the vocational education and training system. See also ANTA Board, ANTA CEOs’ Committee, ANTA Ministerial Council
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) a nationally consistent set of qualifications for all post-compulsory education and training in Australia
Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board (AQFAB) the body responsible for promoting, guiding and monitoring implementation of the Australian Qualifications Framework and advising the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) on any required changes to the guidelines.
Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) the nationally agreed recognition arrangements for the vocational education and training sector. The Australian Quality Training Framework is based on a quality assured approach to the registration of training organisations seeking to deliver training, assess competency outcomes and issue Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and / or Statements of Attainment and ensures the recognition of training providers and the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statements of Attainment they issue, across Australia.
Australian Recognition Framework (ARF) see Australian Quality Training Framework
Australian Research Council (ARC) a body providing advice to the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs on national research priorities and the co-ordination of research policy, and making recommendations on the allocation of resources under a range of approved programs.
Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) an Australian Bureau of Statistics classification which describes programs according to their subject matter;expected to supersede field of study and discipline group
Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) a hierarchical classification developed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which categorises all occupations in the Australian workforce.
Australian Standard Industrial Classification (ASIC) a system for classifying industries developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in use before the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC).
Australian Standards Framework (ASF) a set of eight competency levels established by the National Training Board to serve as reference points for the development and recognition of competency standards. (The Australian Standards Framework is no longer in use).
Australian Student Traineeship Foundation (ASTF) now known as Enterprise and Career Education Foundation
Australian Traineeship System (ATS) the former system of traineeships set up after the Kirby Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs (1985). Superseded by New Apprenticeships.
Australian Training Awards a set of awards presented annually to recognise and reward students, apprentices, trainees, employers, training providers and other organisations who have demonstrated high levels of achievement or best practice in vocational education and training.
Australian Training Information Network (also known as TRAIN) a national vocational education and training information service which has been discontinued.
Australian Training Products Ltd (ATP) a publishing company and national clearinghouse for all national, crown-copyrighted training materials, including curriculum and non-endorsed components of training packages as well as other associated training resources and learning materials. Formerly known as ACTRAC Products Ltd (APL).
Australian Vocational Certificate Training System (AVCTS) the competency-based vocational training system proposed in the Carmichael Report (1992). Superseded by the Australian Vocational Training System (AVTS), then Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (MAATS), and then by New Apprenticeships.
Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMIS Standard or AVETMISS) the agreed national data standard for the collection, analysis and reporting of vocational education and training information in Australia. The Standard consists of three parts: the AVETMIS Standard for VET Providers, the AVETMIS Standard for New Apprenticeships, and the AVETMIS Standard for Financial Data.
Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (or AVETRA) a national independent association of researchers in vocational education and training.
Australian Vocational Training System (AVTS) a later name for the Australian Vocational Certificate Training System (AVCTS), a precursor to the Modern Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (MAATS), now known as New Apprenticeships.
Australian workplace agreement (AWA) a written agreement between an employer and an employee about the employee’s wages and conditions of employment. AWAs may be negotiated collectively between an employer and a group of employees, as long as they are signed by each employee who wishes to be a party to the agreement.
AUSTUDY an income support scheme for full-time students aged 25 years and over.
AVC Australian Vocational Certificate.
AVCC Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.
AVCTS see Australian Vocational Certificate Training System
AVETMIS Standard (also called AVETMISS) see Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard
AVETRA see Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association AVETS Australian Vocational Education and Training System.
AVTS see Australian Vocational Training System
AWA see Australian workplace agreement award (1) (also called industrial award a determination of an industrial tribunal establishing levels of pay and conditions of employment for workers in a specified industry, occupation, or enterprise. See also Australian workplace agreement enterprise agreement (2) (also called academic award or credential a qualification granted for the satisfactory completion of an accredited course. See also Australian Qualifications Framework award course a course that leads to a recognised qualification.
award restructuring the changing of industrial awards, including the removal of obsolete classifications, a reduction in the number of classifications, and the redefinition of a range of jobs under single classifications, in order to improve workplace productivity and the efficiency and flexibility of workers.
BACE (in NSW) Board of Adult and Community Education.
basic skill a fundamental skill that is the basis of later learning or is essential for employment.
BCA Business Council of Australia. benchmarking the process of comparing an organisation’s performance, practices and procedures with those of leaders in the same or a different field of activity, in order to identify areas for improvement.
best practice management practices and work processes that lead to outstanding or top-class performance and provide examples for others.
BIBB Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung, the German Federal Institute for Vocational Training.
block release the release of an employee from the workplace for periods of time, usually of a week or more, in order to undertake related training in an educational institution. The term applies particularly to apprentices and trainees. Compare day release
bridging course a course designed to equip students to take up a new subject or course by covering the gaps between the students’ existing knowledge and skills and the subject or course prerequisites and assumed knowledge.
BST Business Services Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
business the collective term used to describe small and large businesses (in both private and public sectors), associations and unions and the individuals operating within them.
BVET (in NSW) Board of Vocational Education and Training.
cadetship an employment arrangement in which an employer undertakes to subsidise an employee ’s formal training leading to certain qualifications, and in which the employee is usually required to remain with the employer for a specified period after completion of training. Source: based on Job Guide Online
CAEC community adult education centre.
CAI computer-aided (or computer-assisted) instruction; see computer-based training
CAL computer-assisted learning.
CALL computer-assisted language learning.
campus the grounds and buildings of an educational institution; a branch or part of an institution at a particular location, e.g. the Murray Bridge campus of the Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE.
career counselling (also called vocational counselling) the process of assisting and guiding people in their career choices.
Carmichael Report (in full The Australian Vocational Certificate Training System the report (published in 1992) of the Employment and Skills Formation Council, chaired by Laurie Carmichael. The report presented a strategy for meeting Australia’s training needs to 2001 and included recommendations for a competency-based Vocational Certificate Training System, flexible delivery arrangements, training participation and attainment targets, and provision of a training allowance.
casual employee an employee who generally has no entitlement to paid holiday or sick leave and who lacks the security of ongoing employment, with each job constituting a separate contract of employment. Under some awards casual employees are entitled to either holiday leave or sick leave.
casualisation the trend towards a higher proportion of casual employment in the workforce, often in place of former permanent employment arrangements.
CBT see competency-based training computer-based training
CEDEFOP European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.
CEET see Centre for the Economics of Education and Training
Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia (CRLRA) a research centre based at the University of Tasmania, an ANTA research partner for 2000 –2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.
Centre for the Economics of Education and Training (CEET) a collaborative research centre of Monash University and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), an ANTA key research centre for 2000 –2002 under the Key Vocational Education and Training Research Centres National Project.
Centrelink a statutory authority providing information and assistance relating to a range of Australian Government programs, including all services formerly provided by the Department of Social Security, as well as childcare and student assistance payments and services, registration of all new applicants for income support and employment assistance, self-help job search facilities, referrals for employment assistance, and specialist labour market assistance services for disadvantaged groups.
CEO Chief Executive Officer.
Certificates I–IV a set of qualifications awarded in the vocational education and training sector and recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The four levels of certificate recognise increasing levels of skill.
Certificates in General Education for Adults (CGEA) an adult basic education curriculum, covering reading and writing, oral communication, numeracy and mathematics, and general education skills.
Certificates in Spoken and Written English ( CSWE) a competency-based curriculum framework developed for use in the Adult Migrant English Program.
certification the formal acknowledgement of successful achievement of a defined set of outcomes.
CESOL Certificate in English for speakers of other languages.
CGEA see Certificates in General Education for Adults
CHRDT Centre for Human Resource Development and Training, based at the University of Melbourne. Formerly known as the Department of Vocational Education and Training (DVET).
CIRCIT Centre for International Research on Communication and Information Technologies, based at RMIT University.
class contact hours the number of hours in any given period for which a teacher is programmed to be in contact with classes of students.
client a person or organisation using a service. In vocational education and training, the client may be a student, apprentice, trainee, employer, enterprise, industry training advisory body, industry organisation, or employment organisation.
client focus a strategy in which the needs of clients are the primary focus.
client service charter (also called customer service charter) a document setting out an organisation’s undertakings to improve its services to its clients and stakeholders, developed in consultation with clients and stakeholders. The body then reports annually on its performance against its service charter undertakings.
CLMR Centre for Labour Market Research,a consortium of Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.
CLWR Centre for Learning and Work Research, based at Griffith University.
CML see computer-managed learning
COAG Council of Australian Governments.
college 1 an institution providing post-secondary education, especially technical and professional training, e.g.TAFE college, business college. 2 a school, especially a non-government school or a senior secondary school.
coding is a system to identify each Training Package, its component qualifications and competency units, as well as "stand alone" competency standards.
Australian Government/State Training Advisory Committee (COSTAC) a former inter- governmental advisory body on vocational education and training which was superseded by the Vocational Education, Employment and Training Advisory Committee (VEETAC), which was itself replaced by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
community centre (also called community learning centre, neighbourhood centre) a place providing social, educational and recreational facilities for the community.
community college an educational institution for adults, offering a range of general, vocational, recreational and leisure courses, as well as subjects for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
community education education programs which are community-based and community-directed and intended primarily for the members of the local community. See also adult and community education
competencies (see unit of competency) term which refers to multiple units of competency
competency (also competence) the ability to perform tasks and duties to the standard expected in employment.
competency-based assessment (or CBA) the gathering and judging of evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard of competence.
competency-based training (or CBT) training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency standards.
competency standard an industry-determined specification of performance which sets out the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to operate effectively in employment. Competency standards are made up of units of competency, which are themselves made up of elements of competency, together with performance criteria, a range of variables, and an evidence guide. Competency standards are an endorsed component of a training package.
competitive tendering a system in which providers of a service bid competitively for contracts.
compliance audit (also compliance assessment) an external assessment of conformity with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations or recognised quality standards.
computer-based training (also called computer-aided instruction) an educational method in which a computer is the primary medium for instruction and learning.
computer-managed learning (CML) the use of computer systems and packages for managing learning, automating much of the assessment and administration associated with teaching or training programs. Computer-managed learning differs from computer-based training, in that the computer is not generally used as the primary medium of delivery.
contextualisation the addition of industry or enterprise specific information to a unit of competency to improve the standards relevance to industry.
continuing education educational programs for adults, usually at the post-secondary level and offered as part-time or short courses in personal, academic or occupational subject areas.
continuous improvement a planned process which allows an organisation to systematically review and improve the quality of its products, services and associated processes.
contract of training (also called training agreement) a legal agreement between an employer and an apprentice or trainee, which defines the rights and responsibilities of each party. These include the employer guaranteeing to train the apprentice or trainee in the agreed occupation or training area, and to allow time off work to attend any required off-the-job training; and the apprentice or trainee agreeing to learn all aspects of the occupation or training area, and to work for the employer for a specified period. Contracts of training supersede indentures.
co-operative learning a learning method in which students work together in small groups.
Co-operative Research Centres Program (CRC) Program a program established to strengthen collaborative research links between industry, research organisations, educational institutions and relevant government agencies.
copyright the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish or otherwise control the use of a work, granted to the creator, author, composer, artist, publisher, etc. for a specified period.
core competencies identifies units of competency within a competency standard that an industry has agreed are essential to be achieved if a person is to be accepted as competent at a particular level. All units may be core, but in many cases competency at a level will involve core units plus optional or specialisation units of competency. Core competencies are normally those central to work in a particular industry.
core curriculum that part of the curriculum which is considered essential for all students, and is usually compulsory.
corporate education educational programs or services offered by business and industry, either in-house or co-operatively with an educational institution.
correctional education education or training programs provided for persons in correctional institutions, especially as part of rehabilitation programs.
COSTAC see Australian Government/state training Advisory Committee
COTA Council on the Ageing.
COTTS Committee on TAFE and Training Statistics. No longer exists.
course a structured and integrated program of education or training, usually consisting of a number of modules (subjects) or shorter programs, and leading to the award of a qualification.
course content the subject matter, activities, units of competency, etc. of a course of study.
course enrolment see enrolment course
courseware computer software and associated materials designed for educational or training purposes.
CPSC Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education,an international, regional and inter-governmental organisation based in the Philippines.
CRAFT Australian Government Rebate for Apprentices in Full-time Training, a subsidy to encourage employers to take on apprentices.
CRC Co-operative Research Centre; see Co-operative Research Centres Program
CREATE Australia Cultural Research Education and Training Enterprise Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
credential formal certification issued for successful achievement of a defined set of outcomes, e.g. successful completion of a course in recognition of having achieved particular knowledge, skills or competencies; successful completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship. See also qualification
credit (also called status or advanced standing) the acknowledgement that a person has satisfied the requirements of a module (subject) or unit of competency either through previous study (credit transfer) or through work or life experience (recognition of prior learning). The granting of credit exempts the student from that part of the course.
credit transfer the granting of status or credit by an institution or training organisation to students for modules (subjects) or units of competency completed at the same or another institution or training organisation. See credit
CREEW Centre for Research in Education, Equity and Work, based at the University of South Australia.
CRICOS see Australian Government Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
CRLRA see Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia cross-border training training delivered in a state or territory by a provider registered in a different state or territory. See also mutual recognition
CS & HTA cross industry competency standards units of competency that are common to a number of industries. The units of competency may be grouped to relate to certain functions of work common across those industries. They are developed by recognised competency standards bodies.
Community Services and Health Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
CSIRO Australian Government Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
CSWE see Certificates in Spoken and Written English
CTA Construction Training Australia, a national industry training advisory body.
current competency a competency currently possessed by a person. People can lose competence over time, and having been competent in the past may need further training and practice to demonstrate current competency. See also recognition of current competencies
curriculum the specifications for a course or subject (module) which describe all the learning experiences a student undergoes, generally including objectives, content, intended learning outcomes, teaching methodology, recommended or prescribed assessment tasks, assessment exemplars, etc.
Curriculum Corporation a company owned by all state, territory and Australian Government Ministers of Education, which facilitates curriculum development among schools. Curriculum Corporation also manages two major national databases: OZJAC (the Australian Courses and Careers Database) and SCIS (the Schools Catalogue Information Service).
curriculum hours the teaching time deemed necessary to cover the content of a course, subject or module when undertaken in standard classroom delivery mode.
CURVE Centre Undertaking Research in Vocational Education, at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
customer service charter see client service charter
customisation tailoring to individual requirements; (in vocational education and training) the process of tailoring a program to meet the specific needs of clients. Customised qualifications are devised by Registered Training Organisations, created through combining competency standards drawn from two or more different endorsed Training Packages to create a new qualification outcome. Such qualifications must meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework, the Customisation Policy of the National Training Quality Council and the customisation advice of the relevant Training Packages.
CVA Canadian Vocational Association.
day release the release of an employee from the workplace, usually for one day per week, in order to undertake related training in an educational institution. The term applies particularly to apprentices and trainees. Compare block release
declared vocation a trade occupation specified in legislation, regulations or an industrial award for which the entrance requirement is successful completion of an apprenticeship. With the implementation of New Apprenticeships, declared vocations have been abolished in most states and territories.
DECS (in the ACT) Department of Education and Community Services.
DEET Department of Employment, Education and Training, superseded by the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA).
DEETYA Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs,superseded by the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) and the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB).
DETYA Department of Employment,Education, Training and Youth Affairs,superseded by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).
degree a qualification conferred in the higher education sector on successful completion of a course of study or as an honour. See also Australian Qualifications Framework
delivery and assessment strategies means delivery and assessment strategies for each qualification, or part thereof, within the registered training organisation’s scope of registration. Delivery and assessment strategies are determined and developed by the registered training organisation with industry input into the development of the assessment strategy. Each delivery and assessment strategy should include identification of the target groups, delivery and assessment modes and strategies and pathways for learning and assessment.
delivery type a classification in AVETMISS which describes the method(s) used to impart the knowledge or skills required to complete a module or unit of competency.
demand occupation (also called occupation in demand) an occupation in which there is an actual or expected shortage of qualified workers.
Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) the Australian Government Department responsible for public and private schools and school systems, higher education institutions and research, vocational education and training, student and youth affairs, school to work transition programs, indigenous employment and education, and internationalisation of Australia ’s education and training systems. Formerly, the Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA),and before that the Department of Employment, Education,Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) and earlier the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET).
deregulation the removal of regulations that control or restrict the operations of an industry or enterprise.
DET (in NSW) Department of Education and Training.
DET (in Queensland) Department of Employment and Training
DETE (in SA)Department of Education, Training and Employment.
Deveson Report in full Training costs of award restructuring: Report of the Training Costs Review Committee the report (published in 1990) of an independent review committee chaired by Ivan Deveson.The report established the concept of the open training market which encourages diversity and competition amongst vocational education and training providers.
DEWRSB Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business.
DfEE (in the UK) Department for Education and Employment.
DHTVET (in Cambodia) Department of Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
DIAC Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
diploma a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See also Australian Qualifications Framework
disability a physical or mental incapacity, either congenital or resulting from an injury or illness etc.
discipline a branch or area of learning.
discipline group a classification in AVETMISS which describes the primary content of a module, independently of the course or context in which it may be taught.
distance education (also called external studies) a mode of education in which students enrolled in a course do not attend the institution, but study off-campus and may submit assignments by mail or email.
DOVE (in Thailand) Department of Vocational Education.
dropout a person who discontinues a program of education or training.
DTAVE (in Myanmar) Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education.
DTVE (in Indonesia) Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education.
dual accreditation (also called dual recognition recognition of a course both academically (by a school or college) and vocationally (by an employer or industry).
dual enrolment enrolment of a student in two institutions at the same time.
Dusseldorp Skills Forum an independent non-profit association aiming to stimulate innovation in education; to promote skills development in the wider community, especially in young people; and to emphasise the importance of the workforce in Australia’s continuing development.
EdNA (also called EdNA Online or Education Network Australia) - an Australian network of education services (at www.vet.edna.edu.au) covering the schools, vocational education and training (VET), adult and community education (ACE), and higher education sectors.
EdNA VET Advisory Group see Flexible Learning Advisory Group
education (1) the process of imparting knowledge or developing skills, understanding, attitudes, character or behaviours. (2) the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, etc. 3 the knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes,etc. acquired. 4 the field of study concerned with teaching and learning.
educational assessment see assessment
educational institution any establishment providing education, including schools, colleges, universities and institutes.
Education.Au Limited a company owned by the Ministers of Education and Training in all states, territories and the Australian Government which aims to foster collaboration and co-operation in relation to the use of the internet in education, managing Education Network Australia (EdNA) on behalf of the Australian education community. Education.Au Limited was formerly known as the Open Learning Technology Corporation (OLTC) Ltd.
Education Network Australia see EdNA
education provider an organisation which administers or delivers education programs particularly, but may also deliver training programs. See also vocational education and training provider
EEO equal employment opportunity.
element of competency any of the basic building blocks of a unit of competency which describe the key activities or elements of the work covered by the unit.
ELICOS English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.
ELLS see English Language and Literacy Services
ELT see entry-level training
employed person a person who works in a job or business or on a farm, either as an employee, employer, own account worker, or contributing family worker.
employee The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines employee in the following way: An employee is a person who works for a public or private employer and receives remuneration in wages, salary, a retainer fee by their employer while working on a commission basis, tips, piece-rates or payment in kind, or a person who operates his or her own incorporated enterprise with or without hiring employees. Source:ABS cat.no.6203.0,Labour Force, Australia,August 1999,p.69
employer The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines employer as: An employer is a person who operates his or her own unincorporated economic enterprise or engages independently in a profession or trade, and hires one or more employees. Source:ABS cat.no.6203.0,Labour Force, Australia,August 1999,p.69
employment a person’s work, occupation or business.
Employment and Skills Formation Council (or ESFC) a council of the former National Board of Employment, Education and Training which was responsible for vocational education and training and employment issues.The ESFC no longer exists.
endorsed component the central part of a training package, endorsed by the National Training Quality Council, comprising competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. Compare non-endorsed component
endorsement approval the term used for the formal approval or recognition by the National Training Quality Council of the core components of a training package ,i.e. the competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. See also quality endorsement
English Language and Literacy Services (or ELLS) (in SA) a provider of English language and literacy programs for immigrants and refugees, as well as settlement and orientation services, counselling and support services, and assistance to jobseekers.
enrolment (1) the registration of a person with an education or training provider for the purpose of undertaking a course or module. (2) the total number of registered participants in an education or training program.
enterprise agreement a collective agreement between the employer and employees in an enterprise or workplace, about the employees’ wages and conditions of employment. Agreements can be negotiated directly with employees or with their representatives, e.g.unions.
enterprise bargaining a process of negotiation on wages and conditions between the employer and employees (or their representatives) in an enterprise or workplace, leading to an agreement for that enterprise or workplace.
entry-level skill a skill required to commence employment in an organisation or more generally, to gain entry into the workforce.
entry-level training (or ELT) training undertaken to gain entry into the workforce or further vocational education and training.
entry requirements the knowledge, skills or experience required for entry to a qualification or training program.
equity fairness, social justice. In vocational education and training, equity policy incorporates measures to improve access to, participation in, and outcomes of vocational education and training for those who may be disadvantaged or have traditionally been under-represented, especially indigenous Australians, people with a disability, women, people in remote and rural communities, and people from a non-English-speaking background.
equivalency test a test to measure the extent to which a person’s existing knowledge or skills satisfy the requirements of an education or training program or a job. See also recognition of prior learning
ERIC/ACVE Educational Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, an education information network, part of the National Library of Education, United States Department of Education.
ESB English-speaking background; contrasts with NESB ESFC see Employment and Skills Formation Council
ESL English as a second language.
ESOL English for speakers of other languages.
ESOS Education Services for Overseas Students.
ESP English for specific purposes. ESRA Employment Services Regulatory Authority.
EUR–OP the official publisher of the institutions of the European Union.
EVAG see EdNA VET Advisory Group
evaluation the process or results of an assessment or appraisal in relation to stated objectives, standards, or criteria; in vocational education and training may be applied to organisations, programs, policies, courses, etc.
evening class a program of education or training offered in the evening.
evidence guide the part of a competency standard which provides a guide to the interpretation and assessment of the unit of competency, including the aspects which need to be emphasised in assessment, relationships to other units, and the required evidence of competency.
experiential learning learning through experience, either in a real situation such as a workplace or in role play.
extension education educational activities such as short courses, evening classes, seminars and workshops provided by educational institutions for people outside their usual student body.
external student a student enrolled in a course and studying at home or off-campus.
external studies (also called distance education) a mode of study in which students enrolled in an education or training program do not attend the institution, but study off-campus and may submit assignments by mail or email.