There is currently a lot of enthusiasm for the potential of vocational degrees. In their recent workshop presentations, AUSMASA has described vocational degrees as the ‘missing middle’.
I did a google search on the term ‘missing middle’. Interestingly it is a term used extensively in several different contexts. For example, it is used in the housing sector to call for an alternative to high-rise residential blocks while consolidating the footprint of residential buildings. It is also used in mental health services to identify services more fitting for those for whom the established services do not meet their needs.
In the case of vocational degrees, what sets them apart and allows them to be called the missing middle is their design. Vocational degrees will seek to deliver technical AQF7 qualifications which are currently absent for highly technically skills areas. Vocational degrees will also be accredited by ASQA, not TEQSA and they will be competency based. It is also possible they will be delivered using earn and learn based models.
However, in tertiary education, the missing middle has also referred to Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications. Over many years TDA and other stakeholders in the sector have been calling for more attention to be given to the middle space that AQF5-6 qualifications occupy. This can be a contested space where vocational education and training strives to hold students at these higher levels of qualifications, and higher education dives in with higher education diplomas to prepare students for their degrees.
Traditionally TAFEs have been strong in delivering qualifications for students and industry at AQF5 and AQF6. TAFEs scaffold learning to ensure there are strong pathways of well-designed pedagogy that provide integrity to the progression of these qualifications. Often, but not always, this allows students to progress through these levels to exit with a bachelor degree, accredited by TEQSA and delivered by TAFE.
Additionally, and of recent note, is the attention that has been given to AQF5 qualifications in the pilots for delegation of course accreditation that are currently being conducted with ASQA. TDA had advocated for years for a return of course accreditation delegation to TAFEs at this level. Our premise has always been that this will allow TAFEs to be more responsive to industry.
Currently there are three qualifications at AQF5 and AQF6 being piloted for TAFE course accreditation at TAFE NSW, Bendigo Kangan Institute and Central Queensland University. If you are a member of a TDA member institution, you maybe aware we are holding a TDA MembersConnect session on 3 June with ASQA representatives and the three TDA members involved to discuss learnings from these course accreditation pilots.
In the next few years, now with the likely formation of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), the AQF5-7 space is going to be even more contested. It will be important that ATEC has a lens over the whole tertiary education environment so that skills and knowledge are being developed through qualifications, be they vocational education degrees, VET diplomas or higher education qualifications, in ways that meet Australia’s skills needs.
TDA has welcomed the announcement of the new Albanese government ministry, which it said, provides stability and certainty to the VET and higher education sectors.
TDA welcomed Andrew Giles who remains as Minister for Skills and Training, working alongside Amanda Rishworth, the new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
TDA also welcomed Jason Clare who stays on as Minister for Education, and a new appointment, Julian Hill in the newly created portfolio of Assistant Minister for International Education, as well as Senator Dr Jess Walsh as Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth.
TDA congratulates Senator Tim Ayres as the new Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, and Senator Malarndirri McCarthy who continues as Minister for Indigenous Australians.
The Chief Executive Officer of TDA, Jenny Dodd said the the ministry announcement would provide confidence across the sectors, with established, proven ministers with a solid understanding of the reform processes underway.
“We look forward to continuing to work with ministers on key issues including free-TAFE, the rollout of TAFE Centres of Excellence, and the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), as well as measures to bring about a harmonised tertiary education sector,” Ms Dodd said.
See the full ministry
Join us to explore how TAFEs are partnering with industry, Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) and other TAFEs to lead innovation in Clean Energy initiatives relating to automotive and batteries. Learn more about the importance of collaborative partnerships in preparing the future workforce to support current and emerging automotive needs and power a clean energy future.
You will also hear about the innovative work being undertaken by Canberra Institute of Technology Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence, Bendigo Kangan TAFE, and TAFE Queensland Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, along with AUSMASA (JSC) and Foton Mobility Distribution, Australian distributor of new energy heavy vehicles.
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support, led by TAFE Queensland, has appointed Renee Hindmarsh (pictured) as its new executive director.
Ms Hindmarsh has previously served as South Australian Skills Commissioner, Deputy Chief Executive of Universities Australia, and as a member of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulatory Advisory Council.
“Health care and social assistance is Australia’s largest employing industry, and I’m passionate about driving sustainability and growth in this critical sector,” Ms Hindmarsh said.
“In this role, I’ll be working with a dedicated team to form strong national industry partnerships and spearhead innovative research and training to address skills gaps and identify emerging needs. I look forward to working with the fantastic team at TAFE Queensland and the positive impact this Centre will make.”
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support is a $35 million joint initiative between the federal and Queensland governments.
Yanfei Ge, a lecturer with TAFE SA, is a co-author of the newly published research article “Reevaluating the Role of Biological Aging in Dementia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Global Analysis Incorporating Confounding Factors.”
The paper explores the intricate relationship between dementia and biological ageing, with a strong emphasis on the importance of managing chronic health conditions to support long-term cognitive health.
The study aims to raise awareness, stimulate informed discussions around dementia prevention, and enhance quality of life across the lifespan. By integrating a global data-driven perspective, the paper contributes to the evolving understanding of dementia and reinforces the significance of preventive, evidence-based healthcare strategies.
Importantly, the findings of this publication align closely with evidence-based nursing practices and map directly to the following units of competency within the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing:
The authors express hope that the paper will contribute meaningfully to both academic research and clinical nursing practice, reinforcing the vital role of nurses in addressing the complex needs of an ageing population.
Join us to learn more about the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how TAFEs are applying the framework to improve inclusive learning and teaching practice.
Supported by Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET), this session will provide an overview of UDL 3.0, along with practical examples of its integration into practice at TAFE NSW, TAFE SA and CIT.
Four inspirational TAFE students have been recognised amongst Victoria’s most extraordinary young people at the 2025 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria), with Maryam Safdari named winner of the Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award.
Maryam arrived in Australia as an Afghan Hazara refugee with limited English. Resilience and grit saw her progress in English language studies at Kangan Institute, which led her to a photography diploma and launching a successful business.
“Kangan was my very first step to today’s success. I had to do English classes there, get better at speaking English so I could join certificate and diploma courses at RMIT. Kangan is so close to my heart, that’s where everything started,” Maryam said.
Recognised alongside Maryam were fellow Kangan Institute graduates Joshua Pyke and Feona Magtanum, and Bendigo TAFE graduate Taylah Firmer, who were finalists for the award.
Joshua Pyke is Kangan Institute’s 2025 Outstanding Student in Supply Chain Operations award winner. He overcame mental health challenges while working full-time as a truck driver.
Feona Magtanum has excelled throughout her early childhood education while living with cerebral palsy. An advocate for disability inclusion as an ambassador for CP Achieve, Feona’s achievements have also earned her Kangan Institute’s 2024 Student of the Year Award in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Taylah Firmer has demonstrated her commitment to nursing studies at Bendigo TAFE, while navigating the responsibility of being a full-time guardian to her younger brother. Taylah’s determination to succeed led her to earning Bendigo TAFE’s Student of the Year Award in 2022.
Sally Curtain, CEO of Bendigo Kangan Institute said the students embody the resilience and innovation at the heart of vocational education.
“Their success proves that through determination and the right support, anyone can turn challenges into opportunities.”
Image: From left, Feona Magtanum, Maryam Safdari and Taylah Firmer with Bendigo Kangan Institute Chief Education and Industry Officer Janelle Arena.
Shayne Jupp – Juppy to his friends – has been around the Tasmanian hospitality scene for three decades. Recently, thanks to Fee Free TAFE, he returned to TasTAFE to complete his Certificate III in Hospitality.
Originally from Penguin, a small town on the north-west coast, Juppy got his start at Wellers Inn in Burnie.
After completing his Certificate I and II in Hospitality at Drysdale in the north west, he headed south in 1997 to manage legendary Hobart restaurant Rockefellers.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) is holding a national photography competition for TAFE students to capture ‘The Heart of TAFE’ in 2025.
Students entrants can send the AEU their best picture (or pictures) that depict ‘The Heart of TAFE’. The photos will be part of telling a powerful visual story about the life-changing role of Australia’s world-class TAFE system.
Whether it is the world-class facilities, the student diversity or the expert hands-on training, natural snaps or fully staged shots, student entrants have the creative freedom to impress us with their vision. Judges will be looking for outstanding photographs that are well-crafted and portray ‘The Heart of TAFE’.
Students can visit aeufederal.org.au/photography-comp to enter. The close date for entries is Monday 7 July 2025.
Each state based winner will win $1000 and a trip to Canberra for National TAFE Day, Tuesday 9 September , where their work will be displayed in an exhibition. The overall winner will win $5000 and publication in the TAFE Teacher magazine
Powering Skills Organisation
Online in May for proposed entry qualifications – Certificate II Gateway and Certificate II Pathway.
Register: click the ‘Consultation’ tab on the project web page.
Skills Insight
VET workforce attraction and retention in regional communities weekly brainstorming
16 May – Opportunities for industry support
23 May – Complexity of the VET system
30 May – The trainer and assessor role
Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance
Better Apprenticeship Outcomes Project consulting with manufacturing teachers and support workers in the following;
Thursday 22 May 3pm – 4.30pm AEST – the Manufacturing Alliance is after perspectives and insights on what helps manufacturing apprentices to complete their apprenticeship.
Industry Skills Australia (ISA) Consultation Workshop: VET Workforce Barriers and Burdens
ISA is undertaking a vital project to better understand the real-world challenges you’re facing with the VET Workforce, and we need your insights to shape meaningful solutions.
Join ISA on Monday June 2 at 10am for a Consultation Workshop for TAFEs that have Aviation, Maritime, Rail, and/or Transport & Logistics training packages on their explicit scope.
Your input will help ISA explore:
Powering Skills Organisation
Online in May for proposed entry qualifications – Certificate II Gateway and Certificate II Pathway.
Register: click the ‘Consultation’ tab on the project web page.
Skills Insight
VET workforce attraction and retention in regional communities weekly brainstorming
16 May – Opportunities for industry support
23 May – Complexity of the VET system
30 May – The trainer and assessor role
Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance
Better Apprenticeship Outcomes Project consulting with manufacturing teachers and support workers in the following;
Thursday 22 May 3pm – 4.30pm AEST – the Manufacturing Alliance is after perspectives and insights on what helps manufacturing apprentices to complete their apprenticeship.
Industry Skills Australia (ISA) Consultation Workshop: VET Workforce Barriers and Burdens
ISA is undertaking a vital project to better understand the real-world challenges you’re facing with the VET Workforce, and we need your insights to shape meaningful solutions.
Join ISA on Monday June 2 at 10am for a Consultation Workshop for TAFEs that have Aviation, Maritime, Rail, and/or Transport & Logistics training packages on their explicit scope.
Your input will help ISA explore:
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