VET - what is it?

What is vocational education and training?
Vocational education and training (VET) provides skills and knowledge for work, enhances employability and assists learning throughout life. 
In Australia, its foundation was laid in the mid to late nineteenth century, when mechanics' institutes, schools of mines and technical and working men's colleges were established to develop the skills of Australia's working population. For almost 100 years, training was largely for males working fulltime in traditional trade related industries. 
In today's Australia, VET is offered not only in the public TAFE system, but also through private and community providers and in secondary schools. It can link to university study options, and provides up to six levels of nationally recognised qualifications in most industries, including high growth, new economy industries.
Who runs it?
Australian, state and territory governments agreed in 1992 to have a national training system, replacing the separate state and territory systems. The Australian National Training Authority and its board were established to advise ministers on national policy and regulation. The ministers meet to make decisions, on the advice of the ANTA Board. State and territory governments implement the decisions ministers make. States and territories are also responsible for registering and monitoring training providers.
Industry is the driving force behind VET, and a network of industry advisory bodies advises ANTA and its board about current and future industry training needs. 
Who pays?
Governments provide around half the funds for the national training system - the other half comes from employers and learners themselves.
Where do you get it?
Australia has around 4,000 registered training organisations (RTOs) providing nationally recognised training and qualifications. They include TAFE institutes, private training and assessment organisations, enterprises, universities, schools and adult education providers. Training providers have to meet national standards to become RTOs and they are regularly audited for quality. 
For more information
<www.anta.gov.au>
www.training.com.au