Learning from Australian Qualifications Framework

Learning from AQFTeam Members:Tan Jian HongDenise PongGoh Wei KoonPresented on 18 August 2010, DACE ProgramOverview of AQFThe Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is: • Comprehensive, nationally consistent yet flexible framework for all qualifications • Covering post-compulsory education and training • Structure of recognized & endorsed qualifications• Connects different industry & institutional linkages in a coherent framework with qualification titles & guidelinesQualification by Sector of AccreditationSource: AQF Implementation Handbook Fourth Edition 2007History of AQF• Introduced on 1 January 1995 nationwide• Phased over 5 years, full implementation by year 2000• Developed at request of State, Territory and Commonwealth Education and Training Ministers meeting • Replaced Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE)How it works?The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a quality assured national framework of qualifications in the school, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education sectorsin Australia.The AQF is a structure of recognized and endorsed qualifications that promotes lifelong learning and provides pathways through Australia’s education and training system.Source: http://www.aqf.edu.au/AbouttheAQF/TheAQF/tabid/108/Default.aspxHow it works?The AQF is a key national policyinstrument to protect the quality of Australian education and training wherever it is delivered. The Framework was developed and is endorsed by all Australian governments through the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) and therefore an AQF qualification is recognized around Australia and by other countries.Source: http://www.aqf.edu.au/AbouttheAQF/TheAQF/tabid/108/Default.aspxObjectives of AQF?The objectives of the AQF are to:•provide nationally consistent recognition of outcomes achieved in post-compulsory education; •help with developing flexible pathways which assist people to move more easily between education and training sectors and between those sectors and the labour market by providing the basis for recognition of prior learning, including credit transfer and work and life experience; •integrate and streamline the requirements of participating providers, employers and employees, individuals and interested organisations; •offer flexibility to suit the diversity of purposes of education and training; •encourage individuals to progress through education and training by improving access to qualifications, clearly defining avenues for achievement, and generally contributing to lifelong learning; •encourage the provision of more and higher quality vocational education and training through qualifications that meet workplace requirements and vocational needs, thus contributing to national economic performance; •promote national and international recognition of qualifications offered in Australia. Who is it for?For students:•the AQF encourages lifelong learning and assists students to plan their careers and learning at whatever stage they are within their lives and wherever they live •AQF qualifications allow students to start at the level that suits them and then build up their qualifications as their needs and interests develop and change over time •the registers of registered education and training providers and accredited courses provide assurance that courses and providers are approved by government For employers:•the AQF supports national standards in education and training •AQF qualifications are recognised across Australia •the AQF ensures understanding of what each qualification name and level means For education and training providers:•the AQF includes policies and guidelines for credit transfer, articulation and recognition of prior learning •policies for issuing qualifications ensures consistency and protection of qualification titles For accrediting authorities:•AQF qualification guidelines to describe qualifications provides a standard for each qualification ensuring consistency for course approval •the AQF applies to all States and Territories Source : http://www.aqf.edu.au/AbouttheAQF/TheAQF/BenefitsoftheAQF/tabid/92/Default.aspxWe’re not perfect,CETs aren’t perfect,We want to make all our users happyAustralian Qualifications FrameworkAustralia is one of the world's leading international education service providers, offering a quality education experience that is different, challenging, exciting and rewarding. There are more than 200,000 international students from over 200 countries studying inAustralia in schools, vocational education and training and higher education institutions.One of the main advantages Australia offers is qualifications that are part of a national qualifications framework - the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).Because AQF qualifications are endorsed by Australian governments, an AQF qualification is recognized all around Australia and by other countries.