Frameworks for how best to incorporate essential digital skills into vocational education and training (VET) delivery and to upskill VET educators are the subject of two new ‘good practice guides’ released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
The guides Incorporating digital skills into VET delivery and Teaching digital skills: implications for VET educators highlight how critical it is for VET educators to use technology in their teaching practice, as is their ability to assist learners in developing their own digital skills.
“Digital skills have now become essential for almost all occupations and workers in Australia,” said Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER.
“Short courses and micro-credentials that focus on digital skills development could prepare the current workforce to adapt to and manage changing roles at work.
“In the longer term, the sector should look to embed digital skills into VET delivery by recognising them as a key component of foundation skills along with language, literacy and numeracy.”
The good practice guides were developed via forums held in late 2019 with representatives from industry, training providers and practitioner bodies, as well as reference committees, policy-makers and researchers. National and international research on the subject was also reviewed.
“If we’re going to keep up with the rapid evolution of technology, the VET sector will need to partner with employers to ensure training options deliver skills that are relevant and up to date,” Mr Walker said.
“The key to successful uptake of professional development by VET educators is a whole-of-organisation approach to digital skills capability development within registered training organisations.
“It’s important to note that activities for building this digital capability can take many forms, including self-assessment tools, competency frameworks and short courses.”
Recent and ongoing national reviews have also highlighted the broader changes required to ensure that Australia can respond effectively to Industry 4.0. These include the revising of VET funding models, streamlining of training package updates, greater flexibility in course design, and encouraging the notion of lifelong learning in all Australian workers and workplaces.
The good practice guides Incorporating digital skills into VET delivery and Teaching digital skills: implications for VET educators are now available on the NCVER Portal.
Media enquiries: Helen Wildash, PR and Social Media Officer M: 0448 043 148 E: helenwildash@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the principal provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy-makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department for Education, Skills and Employment.