We are proud to announce that Chisholm Institute will lead a new training academy dedicated to strengthening Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) workforce. This initiative recognises Chisholm’s leadership in educating TAFE teachers through the Professional Educator College and Educator Passport.
The $10 million initiative forms part of the National Skills Agreement, a major commitment by the Australian and State governments to transform the national VET system and expand access to high‑quality training.
Highly skilled VET educators are essential for building Australia’s sovereign capability because they teach the skills that our workforce needs to grow the economy. The logic is simple. Boosting the proficiency of educators leads to better quality training and therefore, better student outcomes resulting in a stronger pipeline of graduates with job-ready skills.
The VET Educator Academy will play a central role in training and supporting the educators who teach the future-ready skills Australians need to secure well-paid jobs.
Building on Chisholm’s leading Professional Educator College, the Academy will become a central hub for professional development across Australia’s TAFE network and secondary schools. In addition to professional development, it will offer early-career support, earn-and-learn pathways and leadership training and an expanded Educator Passport tool.
More than 5,000 VET educators across Victoria, as well as teachers delivering vocational programs in secondary schools, are expected to benefit. Programs will be open to teachers in metro, regional and remote areas.
Chisholm CEO Stephen Varty said the initiative marks an important milestone for the sector and reflects Chisholm’s commitment to excellence in vocational education.
“This funding recognises the critical role TAFEs play in Australia’s skills pipeline. Hosting the Academy puts Chisholm at the centre of major workforce reforms and helps ensure educators are ready for the jobs of the future.”
Chisholm’s Chief of Academic Excellence and Innovation, Lliam Freeman, says that upskilling our educator workforce will offer Victorians greater access to training aligned to industry expectations and job opportunities.
“As industries transform, so too must the way we teach. The VET Educator Academy will embed innovative, future-focused approaches to teaching and learning, ensuring educators are confident delivering training in emerging and high-demand fields,” said Mr Freeman.
The VET Academy is expected to commence operations in 2027, with initial programs rolling out from mid-year.
