What does your state/territory understand by the terms:
- vocational learning and
- structured workplace learning

a) Territory understanding of the term vocational learning is that it is a component of Vocational Education - learning that develops a general understanding of the world of work and career pathways; it happens generally in the compulsory years of schooling. Responses below refer to this meaning of vocational learning Distinct from VET (see attachment showing differences)

b) NT understanding of the term structured workpalce learning is evolving toward almost all aspects of the MCEETYA definition - we already do most as per definition - bit more work is needed on the monitoring and regulation to fully comply with the MCEETYA definition. The variation in our understanding of assessment in the workplace is that it may not be only assessment of competencies achieved in the workplace but could be confirmation of competencies achieved off-the-job.

What initiatives/programs are being planned or implemented in your state/territory in vocational learning and structured workplace learning and in what years?

Vocational Learning is to be a part of new Curriculum Framework being developed; at this stage it is being proposed as a cross curriculum area

Any plan for the future is dependent on outcomes of Vocational Education review

What is the rationale for having vocational learning and structured workplace learning in the compulsory years?

At this stage there is no stated rationale/policy document yet. Draft statement is under development which draws on national goals for schools and changes in the workplace - need to better prepare students for work. The final product will depend on Vocational Education review.

No structured workplace learning occurs in compulsory years therefore there is no rationale.

How are the vocational learning initiatives/programs in the compulsory years linked to those in the post compulsory years?

• no specific links stated in any policy documents>?
• generally no pre-requisites for Board of Studies senior secondary courses in Work Education, Career Pathways, and Job Skills - these courses develop greater depth of knowledge and understanding of the world of work and career pathways than is done in compulsory years
• vocational learning in compulsory years (including work experience) provides good foundation for progression to accredited VET in post compulsory years; however, there is a trend in schools to offer some accredited VET in compulsory years ( but no policy explicitly endorsing this practice)

How might any issues identified in the middle years of schooling (see 3. above in Middle Years of Schooling) impact on vocational learning in Years 9 and 10? What are the curriculum implications?

Middle years of schooling issues — curriculum programs must articulate so that there are no gaps, it is meaningful and relevant. These have not been addressed yet.