In Australia, vocational education and training paves the way for a successful transition from school to the workforce or even university, writes SHYLA SANGARAN

VET allows a seamless pathway from vocational training to a degree, says Buffinton

AUSTRALIA is quickly catching up and has even overtaken Britain as the second most favoured education destination, especially for vocational education and training. There are approximately 121,000 international enrolments from 165 countries for VET in Australia.

This figure represents a 15.8 per cent rise in registration compared to the previous year for VET, across all sectors.

The largest contingent is from China.

Malaysia comes 11th with 2,740 students.

To help more Malaysian students benefit from the best of VET programmes, the Australian government, under Australian Education International Malaysia (AEI), conducts policy dialogue sessions with Malaysian counterparts.

Fiona Buffinton, the Australian government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Group Manager for International Education, says it is about sharing of knowledge and expertise through collaboration with educational institutions, research bodies, and government and quality assurance agencies.

Malaysia’s education links with Australia dates back to the 1950s, with the Colombo Plan, a cooperative attempt to strengthen the economic and social development of the nations of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Buffinton says Malaysia can continue emulating best practices to create a new foundation to promote VET ties with Australia.

Malaysia can have a similar approach to VET to cater for international students, especially those from the Middle East.

In the Eighties, Australia used to have traditional views of education.

It was only in the Nineties that the positioning of VET in Australia changed and VET was made a part of the school curriculum.

“It is about going back to history and understanding what VET can do. In the Sixties, Australian students were given the opportunity to choose either vocational or university streams,” she says.

A VET education offers career focused skills highly sought after by employers.

Buffinton says Australian VET programmes provide quality, industry relevant training and qualification recognition.

To encourage youth to enrol for VET courses, the Australian government has launched campaigns such as “Surprise Vocational education and training with an edge Yourself” to change people’s view of VET and make them understand and value skilled jobs.

“The Australian government wants to engage youth to prepare them for a successful transition from school to the job market,” Buffinton says.

To cater for industry needs, the approach to VET has also changed.

In the past, automotive training was just about using tools. Now it requires students to use robotic equipment and learn information technology.

Unlike some countries, it is easy for a student in Australia to move from a vocational training school to a higher educational institution.

“VET allows a seamless pathway (from vocational training) to a degree for those who don’t immediately qualify for university,” says Buffinton.

In a recent survey on foreign students in Australia, a majority of them said they opted to study in Australia to improve employment prospects and achieve practical qualifications.

“Unlike before, we are now seeing more students enrolling on courses in hospitality and tourism.” One of the main reasons is students are beginning to see Australia as the prime place for education and employment in the service sector.

In addition, Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle for students.

Australia continues to remain one of the most popular spots for international students with a yearly intake of 400,000 learners in various levels of educational programmes.

While Australian higher education and postgraduate programmes are still the biggest attraction for foreign students, they are also beginning to look at VET courses.

A VET qualification is attractive because it equips students with skills that enhance their job prospects.

AEI Deputy Director Gavin Gomez says there will be diversification in the fields of study at the undergraduate level and higher enrolments in VET and postgraduate courses.

“Some 19,874 Malaysians travelled to Australia last year to pursue their studies at all levels. This marks a four per cent growth from the previous year,” says Gomez.

Malaysia makes up the fifth largest international student population in Australia behind China, India, South Korea and Thailand.

The high quality of education, closeness to home and opportunities for employment are the main attractions.