A presentation that provides quick insights into the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and what are the learning points of this system and how the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications framework can improve, learning from the experience of the Australian counterparts.

1. Learning from AQF
Team Members:
Tan Jian Hong
Denise Pong
Goh Wei Koon
Presented on 18 August 2010, DACE Program

2. Overview of AQF
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is:
• Comprehensive, nationally consistent yet flexible
framework for all qualifications
• Covering post-compulsory education and training
• Structure of recognized & endorsed qualifications
• Connects different industry & institutional linkages
in a coherent framework with qualification titles &
guidelines

3. Qualification by Sector of Accreditation
Source: AQF Implementation Handbook Fourth Edition 2007

4. History of AQF
• Introduced on 1 January 1995 nationwide
• Phased over 5 years, full implementation by year
2000
• Developed at request of State, Territory and
Commonwealth Education and Training Ministers
meeting
• Replaced Register of Australian Tertiary Education
(RATE)

5. How it works?
The Australian Qualifications
Framework (AQF) is a quality
assured national framework of
qualifications in the school,
vocational education and training
(VET), and higher education sectors
in Australia.
The AQF is a structure
of recognized and endorsed
qualifications that promotes
lifelong learning and provides
pathways through Australia’s
education and training system.
Source: http://www.aqf.edu.au/AbouttheAQF/TheAQF/tabid/108/Default.aspx

6. How it works?
The AQF is a key national policy
instrument to protect the quality of
Australian education and training
wherever it is delivered. The
Framework was developed and is
endorsed by all Australian
governments through the
Ministerial Council on Education,
Employment, Training and Youth
Affairs (MCEETYA) and therefore an
AQF qualification is recognized
around Australia and by other
countries.
Source: http://www.aqf.edu.au/AbouttheAQF/TheAQF/tabid/108/Default.aspx

7. Objectives of AQF?
The objectives of the AQF are to:
• provide nationally consistent recognition of outcomes achieved in post-
compulsory education;
• help with developing flexible pathways which assist people to move more easily
between education and training sectors and between those sectors and the
labour market by providing the basis for recognition of prior learning, including
credit transfer and work and life experience;
• integrate and streamline the requirements of participating providers, employers
and employees, individuals and interested organisations;
• offer flexibility to suit the diversity of purposes of education and training;
• encourage individuals to progress through education and training by improving
access to qualifications, clearly defining avenues for achievement, and generally
contributing to lifelong learning;
• encourage the provision of more and higher quality vocational education and
training through qualifications that meet workplace requirements and vocational
needs, thus contributing to national economic performance;
• promote national and international recognition of qualifications offered in
Australia.

8. Who is it for?
For students:
• the AQF encourages lifelong learning and assists students to plan their careers and
learning at whatever stage they are within their lives and wherever they live
• AQF qualifications allow students to start at the level that suits them and then build up their
qualifications as their needs and interests develop and change over time
• the registers of registered education and training providers and accredited courses provide
assurance that courses and providers are approved by government
For employers:
• the AQF supports national standards in education and training
• AQF qualifications are recognised across Australia
• the AQF ensures understanding of what each qualification name and level means
For education and training providers:
• the AQF includes policies and guidelines for credit transfer, articulation and recognition of
prior learning
• policies for issuing qualifications ensures consistency and protection of qualification titles
For accrediting authorities:
• AQF qualification guidelines to describe qualifications provides a standard for each
qualification ensuring consistency for course approval
• the AQF applies to all States and Territories
Source : http://www.aqf.edu.au/AbouttheAQF/TheAQF/BenefitsoftheAQF/tabid/92/Default.aspx

9. We’re not perfect,
CETs aren’t perfect,
We want to make all our users happy

10. Australian Qualifications Framework
Australia is one of the world's leading international education
service providers, offering a quality education experience that is
different, challenging, exciting and rewarding. There are more than
200,000 international students from over 200 countries studying in
Australia in schools, vocational education and training and higher
education institutions.
One of the main advantages Australia offers is qualifications that
are part of a national qualifications framework - the Australian
Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Because AQF qualifications are endorsed by Australian
governments, an AQF qualification is recognized all around
Australia and by other countries.

14. Reflective Learning on

15. What we can learn from AQF?
•Nationally consistent recognition of learning outcomes achieved in post-compulsory
education;
•Developing flexible pathways which assist people to move more easily between
education and training sectors and between those sectors and the labour market by
providing the basis for recognition of prior learning, including credit transfer and work
and life experience;
•Integrate and streamline the requirements of participating providers, employers and
employees, individuals and interested organizations;
•Offer flexibility to suit the diversity of purposes of education and training;
•Encourage individuals to progress through education and training by improving
access to qualifications, clearly defining avenues for achievement, and generally
contributing to lifelong learning;
•Encourage the provision of more and higher quality education and training through
qualifications that meet workplace requirements and needs, thus contributing to
national economic performance;
•Promote national and international recognition of qualifications offered in
Singapore.