Vocational Degrees Symposium In-Person Melbourne
The Vocational Degrees Symposium is your opportunity to connect with leading educators, policymakers, and industry experts as we explore the transformative potential of vocationally delivered undergraduate degrees (AQF Level 7). Discover how these qualifications - developed in close partnership with industry - are expanding access, driving innovation, and building a future-ready workforce.
Description
The VDC Vocational Degrees Symposium convenes educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to examine the evolving role of vocationally delivered undergraduate degrees in Australia’s tertiary education landscape. Through a dynamic program of presentations and roundtable discussions, the symposium explores how AQF Level 7 qualifications- developed in close partnership with industry- are expanding access, promoting equity, and driving innovation. Key sessions will delve into the equity implications of offering degrees through non-university providers, the design and implementation of the new vocational degree model led by the Australian Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA), and the compliance and quality expectations outlined in the 2025 Standards for RTOs. This event offers timely insights into how vocational degrees can support a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
Featuring Keynote Presentations
Degrees of difference: Opportunities and pitfalls of Vocational Degrees
Stephen Hodge - Griffith University
Until recently, degree programs were not part of the suite of Australian vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Although VET providers are able to offer bachelor degrees, such provision falls under the rules of the higher education sector. A qualifications revolution is now upon us after skills and education ministers endorsed the concept of Vocational Degrees. In this presentation, opportunities and pitfalls of this revolution are explored. The significance of the shift is considered in light of the development and conundrums of the Australian Qualifications Framework. The opportunities of Vocational Degrees are evident against the backdrop of increased knowledge and skill demands of Australia’s economy. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the new horizons opened by this new form of qualification are not foreclosed by old ways of thinking. An overspecified, one-size-fits-all approach to the content of Vocational Degrees is highlighted as a potential pitfall. The difference of Vocational Degrees is an exciting opportunity that could be seized by the sector to bring something new and empowering to the students, workers and industries served by VET.
Vocational Degrees and the Future of Work
Donna Dejkovski & Marilyn Connell (AUSMASA)
As Australia navigates the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce, the traditional boundaries between vocational training and higher education are being redefined. This presentation introduces the Vocational Degree, a groundbreaking AQF Level 7 qualification under development by the Australian Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA).
Raising the Bar: Compliance and Quality in Vocational Degrees
Kevin Ekendahl - Audit Express
As Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector embraces the introduction of vocational degrees at AQF Level 7, the ASQA 2025 standards represent a transformative step toward a more outcomes-driven, student-centred model of quality and compliance. This presentation explores how providers can meet these new expectations in the delivery of vocational degrees.
For further information
info@vdc.edu.au
Master of Ceremonies
Lisa Confoy - Project Director - VET Development Centre
Panel
Host – Lisa Confoy - Project Director, VET Development Centre
Martin Powell - CEO, VET Development Centre
Steven Hodge - Director, Griffith Institute for Educational Research
Donna Dejkovski - Acting Executive Director, Training & Workforce Innovation AUSMASA
Marilyn Connell - VET Workforce Development Lead, AUSMASA
Kevin Ekendahl- CEO, Audit Express
Program
Time |
Topic |
Presenter |
10:00am – 10:10am |
Introduction and Welcome |
Lisa Confoy Martin Powell
|
10:10am – 11:00am
|
Degrees of Difference: Opportunities and Pitfalls of Vocational DegreesUntil recently, degree programs were not part of the suite of Australian vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Although VET providers are able to offer bachelor degrees, such provision falls under the rules of the higher education sector. A qualifications revolution is now upon us after skills and education ministers endorsed the concept of Vocational Degrees. In this presentation, opportunities and pitfalls of this revolution are explored. The significance of the shift is considered in light of the development and conundrums of the Australian Qualifications Framework. The opportunities of Vocational Degrees are evident against the backdrop of increased knowledge and skill demands of Australia’s economy. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the new horizons opened by this new form of qualification are not foreclosed by old ways of thinking. An overspecified, one-size-fits-all approach to the content of Vocational Degrees is highlighted as a potential pitfall. The difference of Vocational Degrees is an exciting opportunity that could be seized by the sector to bring something new and empowering to the students, workers and industries served by VET. |
Dr Steven Hodge Director Griffith Institute for Educational Research Griffiths University
|
11:00am – 11:05am |
Stretch Break |
|
11:05am – 12:00pm
|
Vocational Degrees and the Future of WorkAs Australia navigates the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce, the traditional boundaries between vocational training and higher education are being redefined. This presentation introduces the Vocational Degree, a groundbreaking AQF Level 7 qualification under development by the Australian Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA). Designed in close collaboration with industry, this new qualification model blends the practical strengths of the VET sector with the academic depth of higher education. It aims to equip learners with advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and leadership capabilities.
|
Donna Dejkovski Acting Executive Director Training and Workforce Innovation Marilyn Connell VET Workforce Development Lead
|
12:00pm – 12:45pm |
Lunch |
|
12:45pm – 13:45pm
|
Raising the Bar: Compliance and Quality in Vocational DegreesAs Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector embraces the introduction of vocational degrees at AQF Level 7, the ASQA 2025 standards represent a transformative step toward a more outcomes-driven, student-centred model of quality and compliance. This presentation explores how providers can not only meet—but exceed—these new expectations in the delivery of vocational degrees. Kevin will unpack the key changes introduced in the 2025 standards, including the shift toward performance-based evidence, strengthened governance responsibilities, and a holistic view of the student journey—from enrolment through to graduation. With a focus on practical implementation, the session will offer strategies for aligning curriculum design, assessment integrity, and continuous quality assurance with the revised regulatory framework. For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) planning to deliver vocational degrees, the 2025 Standards for RTOs introduce critical requirements that take effect from 1 July 2025. These standards are designed to support the delivery of higher-level qualifications while ensuring quality, equity, and strong alignment with industry needs. This session will provide actionable insights to help RTOs build robust, future-ready programs that uphold the integrity and value of vocational degrees in Australia’s evolving tertiary landscape.
|
Kevin Ekendahl Audit Express
|
1:45pm-1:50pm |
Stretch break
|
|
1:50pm – 2:25pm
|
Roundtable discussion
Design and Delivery: What makes a vocational degree distinct from a university degree? How can pedagogy and curriculum be adapted to suit VET contexts?
Teacher Professional Learning: What can teachers do now to prepare to deliver vocational degrees?
Equity and Access: Are vocational degrees expanding opportunities for underrepresented learners, or reinforcing existing divides?
Industry Engagement: How can employers and training providers co-design qualifications that meet future workforce needs?
Pathways and Progression: How do vocational degrees fit into broader lifelong learning and career development frameworks?
Policy and Regulation: What changes are needed in quality assurance to support this new model?
|
Host – Lisa Confoy
Martin Powell Steven Hodge Donna Dejkovski Marilyn Connell Kevin Ekendahl
|
2:25 pm – 2:30pm |
Closing remarks |
Lisa Confoy
|