Education

Direction
The Department of Education’s focus for further
education and training is to engage all Tasmanians in
learning opportunities that will enable them to gain
the skills and qualifications they need to contribute
productively to our globalised community and economy.
The priorities for the Further Education and Training
Division are to:
• promote higher education, vocational and adult
learning throughout the community to encourage
participation and create fulfilled and enriched
Tasmanians
• provide supported and relevant learning, knowledge
and training opportunities to adult learners to ensure
they are equipped with the skills to contribute
productively to our community and economy
• provide students with tangible pathways to further
education and employment.
During the 2012–13 reporting period through the
Tasmanian Polytechnic, colleges 1 and some combined and
regional schools, the department has provided further
education and training opportunities to enable every
Tasmanian to reach their potential at any stage of life.
Improving the transition of students from Year 10,
their engagement in programs in Year 11 and beyond,
and their attainment of meaningful qualifications remains a
significant focus for the department.
Through the provision of a wide range of programs and
delivery options including Guaranteeing Futures (pathway
planning), Trade Training Centres and Australian schoolbased
Apprenticeships, the department supports students
to achieve a Year 12 qualification or equivalent, and a
purposeful pathway into further education, training or work.
Tasmania’s target is for 81.6% of students to attain Year 12
or equivalent qualifications by 2015. This target represents
Tasmania’s contribution to the national target of 90%
Year 12 or equivalent attainment by 2015 set through the
National Partnership Agreement on Youth Attainment and
Transitions. Tasmania’s current attainment rate is 78.35% 2 .
Government Education and Training International
provides local and international students with an enriching
educational experience while increasing enrolment
numbers to benefit Tasmanian education providers and
the community.
In December 2011, the Minister for Education and Skills,
the Hon. Nick McKim MP announced a review into
the role and function of Tasmania’s public Vocational
Education and Training (VET) providers, by independent
consultant Virginia Simmons AO. As a result of the review,
a new single entity, TasTAFE has been established using
the combined resources of the Tasmanian Polytechnic
and Tasmanian Skills Institute. TasTAFE, is covered under
one piece of contemporary legislation and came into
effect from 1 July 2013. This improved arrangement for
the public provision of VET will result in quality training,
improved outcomes and ease of access for learners.
Further to the outcomes of the review, Skills Tasmania
has now become a business unit of the Department
of Education. This new arrangement will continue to
maintain the strong links between the department and
the Tasmanian business community to ensure that the
skills and training needs of business enterprises are met
appropriately, and will also facilitate a more streamlined
alignment between Skills Tasmania and other business
units of the department.
1. Colleges were part of the Further Education and Training Division until
the end of 2012. From 2013, colleges became part of the Early Years and
Schools Division and are now referred to as senior secondary schools.
2. COAG Reform Council’s report on the assessment of the National
Partnership Agreement on Youth Attainment and Transitions attainment
targets (August 2013).
42 Post-Compulsory Education and Skills Development