Harmonisation between vocational education and higher education is a current major policy direction. However, practical components are needed if harmonisation is to be realised. For example, tertiary education institutions will need common data frameworks that support interoperability.
Today, for my CEO piece, I am providing some insight into what is happening in the tertiary education environment in Australia, New Zealand and Canada in regards higher learning data standards. I have borrowed words from a new colleague, Charlsey Pearce, who is the CEO of MortarCAPS.
Firstly, and from the MortarCAPS website, “The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is a not-for-profit initiative designed to streamline data interoperability for the global post-secondary education sector.”
Charlsey writes: “TAFEs have always delivered flexible pathways, enabled RPL, and aligned closely with workforce needs. However, disconnected systems and duplicated processes can be barriers.”
The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is a solution that has been built in partnership with TAFE NSW and now adopted across 70+ institutions globally, MCDS provides a common data model to underpin how we structure and exchange student, curriculum, credit and credential data across systems, sectors, and borders.
For TAFE providers, MCDS offers:
It’s an open, sector-led initiative with strong backing from institutions and vendors.”
To learn more or join the community: contact charlsey.p@mortarcaps.com
There are many constraints to harmonisation and some of those centre on system interoperability. Initiatives like mortarCAPS are essential to move this discussion forward.
Stay tuned for later in the year when TDA will host a TAFETalks webinar on harmonisation focusing on the importance of data standards.
New data released by the federal government shows that more than 170,000 free TAFE courses have now been completed since the program commenced in 2023.
The figures, from January 2023 to March this year, also show that free TAFE enrolments have hit more than 650,000.
The Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, said the figures, which are sourced from the states and territories, show the extent to which free TAFE is opening doors.
“This latest data confirms what I’ve been hearing on the ground from students right around the country. Australians want to take up the opportunities to work in industries like construction, nursing and manufacturing, without the cost barriers they’ve faced previously,” he said.
Officials from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations told Senate Estimates earlier this year that completion rates for free TAFE were in line with those for the rest of the VET sector.
The government legislated last year to lock in free TAFE through 100,000 free places each year from 2027.
TDA is pleased to announce a new Chair and Deputy Chair of the national board.
The new Board Chair is John Tucker, Chief Executive of TAFE Queensland, and the new Deputy Board Chair is Chloe Read, Managing Director of TAFE NSW.
TDA extends its congratulations to both John and Chloe on their appointment.
Image: Board Chair, John Tucker, and Deputy Chair, Chloe Read.
TDA is excited to announce that the Call for Proposals for TDA Convention 2026 is now open. TDA Convention 2026, Power of TAFE, will take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-7 May 2026. We warmly invite you to join TDA, our host partner TAFE Queensland, and Diamond sponsor ReadyTech to celebrate the strength, innovation and impact of TAFE in Australia’s education and training landscape.
The TDA Convention 2026 program will offer opportunities to be inspired and learn through shared practice and professional conversations. In 2026 we will be joined by two high profile International speakers: Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada, and Professor Steven Dhondt, Senior Researcher at Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and Professor at KU Leuven (Belgium).
Pari Johnston is the 8th President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada. Pari will share insights into the innovation and applied research contributions made by Canadian Colleges and Institutes and the economic and policy framework that supports their activities. Read more about Pari here: Pari Johnston — TDA Convention 2026.
Professor Steven Dhondt is a senior researcher at TNO and a professor at the KU Leuven. TNO is one of the largest Research and Technology Organisations in the European Union. Steven coordinates several major Dutch (Smart Working programme) and European projects (HorizonEurope Bridges 5.0), developing insights on the impacts of robotics and digitisation on organisational practices, and will be joining us to discuss Industry 5.0 and the impact on education and skills. Read more about Professor Dhondt here: Steven Dhondt — TDA Convention 2026
Sponsorships are still available but selling fast. For a discussion on sponsorship opportunities, please contact TDA’s Sponsorship Manager at ASN Events, Chad Murphy at chad.m@asnevents.net.au or on 03 8658 9530.
TDA Convention 2026 news and program updates will be provided through the TDA newsletter. We look forward to seeing you in Brisbane on 5-7 May 2026!
Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada and Professor Steven Dhondt, Senior Researcher at Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research.
Applications have opened for the next round of the Professional Development Subsidy, Paid Practicum Subsidy and the Practicum Exchange Living Allowance grants.
The Professional Development Subsidy enables positions to be backfilled while early childhood educators, teachers and centre directors undertake professional development opportunities, or allows staff to be paid for undertaking these opportunities outside of work hours.
The Paid Practicum Subsidy helps early learning providers to give existing educators paid leave while they undertake the practicum placements required to complete their early childhood education and care qualifications.
The Paid Practicum Subsidy is available for educators undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education or relevant Early Childhood Teaching qualifications, including post-graduate Early Childhood Teaching qualifications.
To assist with living and travel costs while educators undertake a practicum placement in a rural or remote area organised via the Practicum Exchange Network, applications will also open for the Practicum Exchange Living Allowance.
The subsidies and Practicum Exchange Living Allowance are part of the government’s $72.4 million Early Childhood Education Workforce Package, introduced in 2023 to support the training and development of the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce.
Join us to explore the evolving impact of generative AI on integrity and assessment. Dr Lenka Ucnik from TEQSA will outline TEQSA’s national AI guidelines for Higher Education and their relevance for TAFEs.
You will also hear from Dr Hayden Park and Dr Elly Thomson from Melbourne Polytechnic who will present findings of their recent study on AI-generated feedback in teacher education, highlighting its benefits, risks and practical implications.
With a career in the social sector already blossoming, Selina Combite moved to Brisbane to further progress her career.
A proud Gamilaroi woman, Selina is dedicated to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander families through her work in child safety at ATSICHS Logan.
With support from a partnership between ATSICHS and TAFE Queensland, Selina completed a Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention, delivered in a culturally safe environment by inspiring trainer Deb Stephens.
The training built Selina’s confidence, formalised her skills, and equipped her to give families a stronger voice in the child safety system. Now focused on domestic violence prevention, Selina continues to channel her culture, compassion, and growing expertise to strengthen her community every day.
TAFEs across Australia will be joining other adult education providers to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Adult Learners Week from 1 – 8 September.
The theme is Celebrate Learning Together – chosen because it speaks to the ways adult education brings people together, opens new possibilities, and helps people and communities grow.
To celebrate the milestone, there will be a STAR (Student Teaching And Relationship) Award to an outstanding adult learner who demonstrates exceptional commitment to mentoring fellow students. This is designed to celebrate learners who go above and beyond to support other learners through guidance, knowledge sharing, and leadership.
Nominate a learner here by 28 July.
Whatever the planned activities for Adult Learners Week – open days, come and try sessions, online classes, awards ceremonies – register those events on the website to have them promoted nationally. Organisations which register their events before 7 August can win 1 of 20 $200 prizes to cover costs. Three events will win $1000 after Adult Learners Week.
Stories about students whose lives have been turned around by adult education are inspirational to others. Enter an adult learner with an inspiring story for an Adult Learners Week scholarship before 22 August.
Find out more about being involved in Adult Learners Week.
Join us for an engaging TAFETalks session exploring how TAFE Queensland is strategically transforming digital learning to drive educational innovation and learner success. Michelle Roberts from the Brisbane Educator Capability team will share how Adobe tools are being embedded across teaching and administrative functions, with a spotlight on their powerful impact in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), enhancing both engagement and accessibility.
Michelle will be joined by educator Sophie Nguyen to present a recent digital capability project focused on boosting learners’ digital literacy. Discover how creative and strategic approaches are being used to make learning more accessible, inclusive, and engaging across diverse student cohorts.
This session is ideal for TAFE leaders, educators, and decision-makers seeking practical insights and scalable strategies to embed digital capability and innovation across the education sector.
What happens when the power of generative AI meets the practical needs of TAFEs?
In this engaging webinar, Build the future of education with humans and generative AI, Professor Martin Bean unpacks how leading TAFE providers can harness this emerging technology to transform learning, streamline student services, and build a stronger sense of belonging across campuses.
Drawing on real-world insights and sector-wide shifts, Martin explores the opportunity for TAFEs to go beyond automation, leveraging AI to empower staff, personalise learning pathways, and drive measurable impact for learners and institutions alike.
Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is holding a national series of dedicated roundtables to consult with Transport Supply Chain Industries and RTO stakeholders on current and emerging skill needs, workforce challenges, and potential high-impact solutions.
Industry Roundtables 2025 Industry Roundtables
RTO Roundtables 2025 RTO Roundtables
Industry Skills Australia has also announced the launch of the 2025 Workforce Plans for the nation’s Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Transport & Logistics industries.
SaCSA Culinary Skills for Aged Care Food Service Project
Consultation is currently underway for Service and Creative Skills Australia’s (SaCSA) Culinary Skills for Aged Care Food Service Project. Visit the project page
SaCSA Career Journey Mapping Project
SaCSA is also undertaking a project to map career journeys across technical, creative and administrative roles within the Arts sector. This is informed by the insights from the Creative Workforce Scoping Study, which highlighted the complexity of career development and the drivers behind workforce shortages. SaCSA will identify common career pathways and key progression points, along with the challenges individuals face, and where strategic intervention and support is needed. Visit the project page
TAFETalks: Navigating assessment and integrity in the age of GenAI
Wednesday 23 July 2-3pm AEST
Register here
TAFETalks: Evolving digital learning for strategic impact at TAFE Queensland
6 August 2025 14:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Register here
Victorian TAFE Association TAFECreates25 Conference
7 August 2025
Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre, Melbourne
More information
VET National Teaching & Learning Conference
14-15 August 2025
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
More information
National Skills Week
‘Explore All the Options’
25-31 August 2025
More information
MyeQuals Connect
2 September 2025
Venue: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Register here
25% discount code: TDAMyeQuals
Impact ATEM 2025
Association for Tertiary Education Management annual conference
7-10 September 2025
Australian National University, Canberra.
More information
TAFETalks: Build the future of education with humans and GenAI
29 October 2025 14:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Register here
Velg Training National VET Conference
30-31 October 2025
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
More information
Association of Colleges Annual Conference
18-19 November 2025
Birmingham, England
More information (contact TDA memberservices@tda.edu.au)
TDA Convention 2026
5-7 May 2026
Brisbane
Call for proposals now open!
More information
48th WorldSkills International Competition Shanghai
22-27 September 2026
More information
2026 WFCP World Congress
23-28 November 2026
Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya
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