A series of Commonwealth reviews and initiatives align with the broad imperative of working toward a more integrated tertiary education system. These reflect the broad aims described in the Employment White Paper, the Australian Universities Accord and ongoing undertakings as part of the National Skills Agreement. They include the development of a national skills passport, a national skills taxonomy and the reform of qualifications and pathways between vocational and higher education. 

Business NSW emphasises the critical role of qualifications and skills in ensuring businesses have the workers they need now and into the future.

Relevant considerations in the context of a more integrated tertiary education system include:

• Supporting providers of education and training in working toward a more modular approach to curriculum development, course design and pathways to learning, in consultation with industry;
• The recognition of qualifications and skills across different regions and industries;
• Recognition of prior learning, facilitating training, development and re-skilling across the workforce;
• Digital integration leveraging new technologies to ensure secure access, verification and validation of credentials; and
• Alignment with international standards to help ensure Australian workers a remain competitive in a global context.