Building quality foundations: indicators and instruments to measure the quality of vocational education and training

Vocational education and training plays a major and increasing role in developing the knowledge and skills that underpin Australia's economy and society. It is vital, accordingly, that training outcomes are of high quality. This paper reports work undertaken to develop a new evidence-based and outcomes-focused national approach to monitoring and improving the quality of vocational training in Australia. After review of key research contexts, it discusses the development of a suite of 'quality indicators' and two feedback instruments designed to help registered training organisations (RTOs) in Australia manage continuous quality improvement. The paper documents the incorporation of these materials into a research-based package of resources and considers how, by supporting one of the largest data collections of its kind, the resources will underpin new approaches to quality improvement and assurance in vocational education and training.