Glossary of terms and acronyms

AIEO Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer

The Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) Program program was established by the Western Australian Department of Education to support Aboriginal students and assist schools in implementing culturally inclusive education programs. AIEOs are allocated using a formula which takes into account the number of Aboriginal students, the year level of the Aboriginal students and the socio-economic index of the school. Refer det.wa.edu.au/aboriginaleducation/detcms/navigation/teaching-and-learning/aieo-guidelines.

ABDWA Aboriginal Business Directory WA

ABDWA lists businesses owned and operated by Aboriginal people in Western Australia. This directory is a free service which brings together Aboriginal businesses operating in Western Australia with potential buyers.

AES Aboriginal Employment Strategy

In line with the Western Australian Public Sector Commission's Attract, appoint and advance: An employment strategy for Aboriginal people, an AES guides public authorities to attract Aboriginal people to work in public employment, appoint Aboriginal people to positions commensurate with their skills and expertise, advance the careers of Aboriginal employees, and develop Aboriginal leaders. 

ASBT Aboriginal school-based training program

The Aboriginal school-based training program is for Aboriginal students in years 10, 11 and 12. The ASBT program aims to help Aboriginal students gain the skills to keep studying after school or get a job.

ABStudy Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme

A Commonwealth Government scheme managed by Centrelink to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are studying or undertaking an Australian apprenticeship.

Accelerated training

A period of intensive vocational training or retraining which enables individuals to obtain the necessary qualifications in a much shorter period than usual in order to enter an occupation at the required level.

Access and equity

A policy or set of strategies that ensures that vocational education and training is responsive to the needs of all members of the community.

Access course or program

A preparatory, pre-vocational or bridging course which prepares a student for further study or training. Access courses are offered particularly for immigrants, overseas students and adults who are seeking to re-enter the workforce.

Accreditation

The formal recognition of a vocational education and training course by the state or territory course accrediting body or the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Under a Memorandum of Understanding between ASQA and the Training Accreditation Council, the responsibility for course accreditation in Western Australia depends upon whether or not the course owner is an RTO registered with the TAC then it must apply to TAC for accreditation; an RTO registered with ASQA must apply to ASQA for accreditation; if not an RTO the individual or organisation can apply to any course accrediting body for accreditation.

Accredited course

A nationally accredited course is a course that is nationally recognised and that a registered training organisation can issue a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment for, following its full or partial completion. Details of nationally accredited courses and the training providers that deliver these courses are provided by training.gov.au.

Accredited training

An accredited program of study that leads to vocational qualifications and credentials that are recognised across Australia. Only registered training organisations that meet government quality standards such as TAFE, private providers, enterprise registered training organisations and vocational divisions of universities can provide nationally recognised training. It includes accredited courses, endorsed training package qualifications and associated subjects.

ACE Adult and community education

Adult and community education is a diverse range of structured educational activities organised by local communities generally in response to the interests and requests of people in the community. ACE is funded via local, state and territory governments and by the Commonwealth Government via the Department of Education and Training.

Adult education

Education programs designed for adults, often incorporating approaches to education which draw on the learner's life or work experiences, involve learners in planning the learning activities and encourage learning in groups as well as more self-directed learning.

ALA Adult Learning Australia

Adult Learning Australia is the national peak body for adult and community education providers and participants. It is a not for profit entity with both organisational and individual members in all states and territories. 

Adult migrant education

Adult migrant education refers to education programs, including English language and literacy programs, which aim to assist in the settlement of adult immigrants and refugees in Australia.

Advanced diploma

An advanced diploma is a level six qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework which qualifies individuals who apply specialised knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake advanced skilled or paraprofessional work and/or further learning. Advanced diploma qualifications are available for accreditation and issuance in both higher education and vocational education and training.

Advanced standing

Recognition granted to a student on the basis of previous study (credit transfer) and/or experience (recognition of prior learning), exempting the student from a particular course, subject or module is called advanced standing.

Apprentice

An apprentice is a person who enters into a training contract to learn a trade from a skilled employer over a nominal duration, typically three to four years. An apprentice earns a percentage of a tradesperson’s wage which increases as they progress through their apprenticeship.

AENWA Apprentice Employment Network Western Australia

AENWA is the peak body representing member group training organisations in Western Australia. AENWA was incorporated in 1993 as a not for profit association. AENWA members are located throughout metropolitan and regional Western Australia and they deliver services to a range of industries as part of their strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness of member GTOs.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a structured employment based training program that leads to a person (an apprentice) gaining a nationally recognised qualification. The training program may be delivered through full-time, part-time or school-based arrangements. The term ‘apprenticeship’ is used as an umbrella term to refer to apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships and internships.

Apprenticeship Network

Refer to Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN).

AISWA Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia

AISWA was established in 1962 as a non-profit organisation to support, represent and promote the interests of independent schools. It is the peak body representing independent schools in Western Australia.  

ANZSIC Australia and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification

A system of classifying businesses in Australia and New Zealand at four levels, division, subdivision, group and class. The 19 division levels are represented by an alphabetical letter e.g. C — Manufacturing.

ANZSCO Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations

A skill-based classification system used to classify all jobs in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets. It defines jobs and occupations according to level of skill and specialisation. It uses similarities between these attributes to organise them into five levels - major group, sub-major group, minor group, unit group and occupation.

AAIP Australian Apprenticeship Incentives Programme

The objective of the AAIP is to support Australian apprentices and their employers. The criteria and funding of Australian Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentives payments, including eligibility, availability and payment of incentives may change during the term of the Australian Apprenticeship in line with Commonwealth Government priorities. This may result in changed eligibility at the time a payment is due. These changes will be notified by the Apprenticeship Network provider.

AASN Australian Apprenticeship Support Network

The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (also known as AASNs or the Apprenticeship Network) replaced Australian Apprenticeships Centres nationally on 1 July 2015. AASNs provide advice and support services tailored to the needs of employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship lifecycle, from pre-commencement to completion. AASNs provide universal services for all employers and apprentices as well as targeted services for employers and individuals assessed as needing additional support to complete their apprenticeship.

AATInfo Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service

A Commonwealth-funded service that provides apprenticeships and traineeships information and resources for Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers, registered training organisations, group training organisations, Jobactive employment services providers and other service providers and stakeholders.

ACEPT Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training

ACEPT is the leading provider of process operations training, offering AQTF qualifications for the Australian oil and gas, mineral and chemical-processing industries. ACEPT was developed from collaboration between industry and State and Commonwealth Government and is situated at the South Metropolitan TAFE campus in Munster.

ACCI Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The peak council of Australian business associations, comprising state and territory chambers of commerce and national industry associations.

ACSF Australian Core Skills Framework

The ACSF is a tool designed to assist English language, literacy and numeracy practitioners to describe an individual's performance in the five core skills of learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy. It identifies and develops the core skills in three contexts: personal and community; workplace and employment; and education and training.

ACAL Australian Council for Adult Literacy

The Australian Council for Adult Literacy promotes adult literacy and numeracy policy and practice.

ACER Australian Council for Educational Research

An independent national research organisation that undertakes educational research and development. ACER creates and distributes research-based knowledge, products and services to improve learning across the lifespan in both formal and informal settings.

ACPET Australian Council for Private Education and Training

ACPET promotes the role of its members in delivering high quality tertiary education for students, employers and communities. The Council works with government, industry and other stakeholders to promote quality, innovation and diversity in Australian post-secondary education and training.

ACSA Australian Curriculum Studies Association

ACSA was established in 1983 as a broadly based educational association supporting the professional interests of educators in curriculum work from all levels and sectors within and beyond Australia. 

ADE Australian Disability Enterprises

An ADE is a not for profit organisation, with charitable status, which provides meaningful employment for people with significant disability who would otherwise not be able to work.

AESOC Australian Education Senior Officials Committee

AESOC is directly responsible to the Education Council for the execution of Council decisions. Specifically, AESOC is responsible for:

  • providing policy advice to Ministers in areas of national significance;
  • supervising and coordinating priority work across the Council’s working group structure;
  • resolving issues to the extent possible before progressing advice to Council; and
  • managing jurisdictional funding contributions for nationally agreed projects and initiatives, through the Council Secretariat.
AEU Australian Education Union

The AEU is the organisation that represents Australian public school, early childhood and TAFE teachers, education leaders and education support staff industrially and professionally.

AEEYSOC Australian Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Senior Officials Committee

AEEYSOC is the forum of Australian and New Zealand Chief Executive Officers with responsibility for education and early childhood education and care, and is directly responsible to the Ministerial Council for the execution of Ministerial Council decisions. AEEYSOC is a collaborative forum providing leadership in national education and early childhood education and care.

AEC Australian Employment Covenant

A national-led initiative which began in 2008 aimed at securing the commitment of sustainable jobs for Indigenous Australians. At the end of 2012, GenerationOne and the AEC combined.

AHRI Australian Human Resources Institute

The Australian Human Resources Institute is the national association representing human resource and people management professionals.

AISC Australian Industry and Skills Committee

The AISC was established by the COAG Industry and Skills Council in May 2015 to give industry a formal, expanded role in policy direction and decision-making for the vocational education and training sector. Members include industry leaders nominated by Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers, responsible for skills and training, a peak body representative (rotating between the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group), and two ex-officio members (senior government officials).

Ai Group Australian Industry Group

The Australian Industry Group is Australia’s peak industry association representing the interests of more than 60 000 businesses employing more than one million staff. The Ai Group has offices in NSW, Qld, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

AQF Australian Qualifications Framework

The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. The AQF was first introduced in 1995 to underpin the national system of qualifications in Australia, encompassing higher education, vocational education and training and schools.

AQTF Australian Quality Training Framework

The national set of standards which assure nationally consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for clients of Australia’s vocational education and training system. 

ASQA Australian Skills Quality Authority

The Australian Skills Quality Authority is the national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training sector. ASQA regulates courses and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met.

AVETMISS Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard

AVETMISS is the national data standard for the collection and analysis of vocational education and training information throughout Australia.  It collects data on all persons employed under a training contract, including apprentices/trainees.

CFA Call for application

An invitation to private training providers to register for the delivery of publicly funded training services for particular client groups.

Census

The Census of Population and Housing is the largest statistical operation undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It aims to accurately measure the number of people in Australia on census night, their key characteristics, and the dwellings in which they live.

Central Regional TAFE

On the 11th April 2016, Durack Institute of Technology, Goldfields Institute of Technology Kalgoorlie Campus and the CY O’Connor Institute (Northam, Merredin and Moora campuses) formed Central Regional TAFE.

COAG EC COAG Education Council

On 13 December 2013, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to streamline the Ministerial Council system. Eight councils are now responsible to COAG and will be engaged in work requiring COAG’s attention.

Education Council provides a forum through which strategic policy on school education and early childhood development can be coordinated at the national level, and through which, information can be shared and resources used collaboratively towards the achievement of agreed objectives and priorities.

CISC COAG Industry and Skills Council

On 13 December 2013, COAG agreed that its council system should be streamlined and refocused. As a result the COAG Industry and Skills Council has been established to replace the former SCOTESE.

The Council of Australian Governments Industry and Skills Council was established by COAG to develop and implement high-level policies that will assist Australian industry to be competitive and motivated to create jobs and investment.

CEDA Committee for Economic Development of Australia

CEDA is an independent national organisation with an engaged cross-sector membership. CEDA provides leadership and policy perspectives on the economic and social issues affecting Australia.

CRICOS Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students

The official Australian Government website that lists all Australian education providers who offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses offered.

CSHETC Community Services, Health and Education Industry Training Council

CSHETC is an industry training advisory body recognised by the State Training Board for the purposes of providing independent industry advice to the State Training Board and the Minister for Education and Training for the ANZSIC industry sectors: Education and Training; Health Care and Social Assistance and Other Services (Religious Services only).

Competency standard

Competency standards express common industry requirements for a role. They reflect knowledge and skills and their application to the standard of performance required in employment. Competency standards are the basis of the nationally recognised qualifications and provide the consistency and transferability of the qualifications.

CAF NGSWG Council for the Australian Federation – National Goals for Schooling Working Group

At the April 2008 MCEETYA meeting, Ministers established the National Goals Working Group to develop a new national declaration on goals for schooling.  The new Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians was launched on 5 December 2008.  This new vision sets out a vision for education of young Australians over the next decade and replaces the Adelaide Declaration.

COAG Council of Australian Governments

COAG is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia. It comprises the Prime Minister of Australia, the Premiers of the six states and the Chief Ministers of the two territories. Its role is to manage matters of national significance or matters that need co-ordinated action by all Australian governments.

CAVSS Course in Applied Vocational Study Skills

CAVSS is a framework for teaching literacy and numeracy skills to support VET students in direct application to VET training activities.

Crowding out effect

In an employment context, the crowding out effect is a concept where workers from lower paying industries (such as manufacturing) are attracted to higher paying industries (such as mining and construction) and move away from lower paying industries either permanently or on a long term basis. The result is that the lower paying industries are unable to recruit and retain the workforces they need and skill shortages materialise.

CALD Culturally and linguistically diverse

The term 'culturally and linguistically diverse' identifies communities which comprise people for whom English is not their primary language, or who were born into a culture significantly different to the dominant Australian culture. CALD groups include refugees and asylum seekers and migrants.

DAE Deloitte Access Economics

DAE is an Australian economics advisory practice in the areas of policy, regulatory, health economics and strategic advisory. They provide services to a wide range of government and private sector clients throughout Australia, Asia Pacific and globally as a member of Deloitte’s global economics network. DAE produces five highly regarded publications per year.

DPC Department of the Premier and Cabinet

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet supports the Premier as head of the Western Australian Government and the Minister for Science. DPC is responsible for providing quality policy and administrative advice and support to enable the Premier and Government to serve the WA community well.

DTWD Department of Training and Workforce Development

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is the State Government department responsible for managing the government's investment in vocational education and training.  It is also the State Training Authority for Western Australia, responsible for administering WA's VET system. The Department works closely with industry, government and the community across WA to support and facilitate training and workforce development strategies that will build, attract and retain a skilled workforce for now and into the future.

DAIP Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

All local government and selected State Government agencies are required by law to develop a DAIP. DAIPs assist public authorities to plan and implement improvements to access and inclusion across seven outcome areas. These plans benefit people with disability, the elderly, young parents and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

DES Disability Employment Services

The DES program helps people with disability find work and keep a job. In September 2013, responsibility for this program was transferred to the Department of Social Services.

DSC Disability Services Commission

The Disability Services Commission is now part of the Department of Communities. It continues to work in partnership with service providers and other government departments to provide information, supports and services to people with disability, their families and carers.

DIDO Drive in–Drive out

Drive in–Drive out is a method of employing people in remote areas by them driving to the work site instead of relocating to the location.  Fly in–fly out is based on the same premise.

EUPA Electrical, Utilities and Public Administration Training Council

The role of the EUPA now falls under the UEEATC – the Utilities, Engineering, Electrical and Automotive Training Council except for “public administration” which falls under the Public Sector Commission and the WA Local Government Association.

Employed full time

In Australia, full time employment means usually working 35 hours or more per week, in all jobs.

Employed part time

In Australia, part time employment means usually working 35 hours or less per week, in all jobs.

EATC Engineering and Automotive Training Council

The role of EATC now falls under UEEATC – the Utilities, Engineering, Electrical and Automotive Training Council.

EVAC Establishment and Variation of Apprenticeships Committee

A committee established by the State Training Board for the purposes of providing advice and recommendation to the Minister for Training and Workforce Development in accordance with section 60C of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996.

ERP Estimated resident population

ERP is an estimate of the Australian population obtained by adding to the estimated population at the beginning of each period the components of natural increase (on a usual residence basis) and net overseas migration. For the states and territories, account is also taken of estimated interstate movements involving a change of usual residence.

FWC Fair Work Commission

The national workplace relations tribunal. It is an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions relating to the safety net of minimum wages and employment conditions; enterprise bargaining; industrial action; dispute resolution, termination of employment; and other workplace matters.

FAPSTC Financial, Administrative and Professional Services Training Council

FAPSTC is an industry training advisory body recognised by the State Training Board for the purposes of providing independent industry advice to the State Training Board and the Minister for Education and Training for the ANZSIC industry sectors: Financial and Insurance Services; Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Administrative and Support Services and Other Services (Business and Professional Association Services; Labour Association Services and Other Interest Groups only). 

FFTITC Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council

FFTITC is an industry training advisory body recognised by the State Training Board for the purposes of independent industry advice to the State Training Board and the Minister for Education and Training for the ANZSIC industry sectors: agriculture, forestry and fishing; food product manufacturing; beverage and tobacco product manufacturing; textile, leather, clothing and footwear manufacturing; wood product manufacturing; pulp, paper and converted paper product manufacturing; non-metallic mineral product manufacturing; furniture and other manufacturing; food retailing; farm animal and bloodstock leasing; veterinary services; gardening services; heritage activities; clothing and footwear repair; laundry and drycleaning services.

Full-time equivalent

This is a unit that indicates the workload of an employed person (or student) in a way that makes workloads comparable across various contexts. One FTE is the hours worked by one employee on a full-time basis.

FutureNow: Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council

An industry training advisory body recognised by the State Training Board for the purposes of independent industry advice to the State Training Board and the Minister for Education and Training for the ANZSIC industry sectors: printing; accommodation and food services; publishing; motion picture and sound recording activities; broadcasting (except internet); internet publishing and broadcasting; internet service providers, web search portals and data processing services; library and other information services; professional photographic services; computer system design and related services; travel agency and tour arrangement services; museum operations; creating and performing arts activities; sports and recreation activities; gambling activities.

GTA Group Training Australia

GTA is now known as the Apprentice Employment Network and has offices across the country.

GTO Group training organisation

A group training organisation is an organisation that employs apprentices and trainees under a training contract and places them with host employers. The organisation undertakes the employer responsibilities for the quality and continuity of the apprentices’ employment and training. GTOs are required to be registered with the Department and meet the National Standards for Group Training.

IEP Indigenous Employment Program

Many companies have IEPs as part of their human resourcing strategy. These programs aim to increase Indigenous Australian's employment outcomes and participation in economic activities, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halving the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade.

IRC Industry reference committee

Committees made up of people with experience, skills and knowledge of particular industry sectors which will ensure that training packages meet the needs of employers.

ITAB Industry training advisory body

An association, whether incorporated or not, which is conversant with, and capable of giving advice in relation to, the vocational education and training requirements of a particular industry. The Board currently recognises 11 industry training advisory bodies comprising:

  • the Public Sector Commission for advice on State Government administration;
  • the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) for advice on local government administration; and
  • nine industry training councils.
International Education Group

The Australian Department of Education and Training works with the education sector, other government agencies and ministries to ensure Australia is recognised as a regional and world leader in education and a partner of choice for international collaboration. The department provides leadership and coordination across government, delivering programs and policies, to support mobility and the global exchange of knowledge.

JSA Job Services Australia

JSA is the Commonwealth Government’s main employment services program which aims to increase employment participation, build skills in demand and help individual job seekers, particularly disadvantaged job seekers, find sustainable employment. It is delivered by contracted providers across Australia.

JSC Jobs and Skills Centres

 Jobs and Skills Centres offer free career, training and employment services to students, jobseekers and career changers, and culturally sensitive career support services for Aboriginal people. For employers and business, the Jobs and Skills Centres can provide recruitment assistance, including apprentices and trainees, information on training solutions and services that can be customised to meet enterprise-specific needs, workforce development advice, and resources and advice on Aboriginal recruitment and retention strategies.

JSWA Jobs and Skills WA

Jobs and Skills WA is the way the State Government, through the Department, prioritises its investment in training to focus on courses that equip people to take up jobs that are, or will be, in high demand. Priorities include apprenticeships, eligible traineeships and priority industry qualifications. Many other important industry qualifications are also subsidised under Jobs and Skills WA, including general industry training courses and foundation skills and equity courses. See the Jobs and Skills WA section of our website for more information.

JSWA Jobs and Skills WA

Jobs and Skills WA is a new brand representing the publicly funded vocational education and training (VET) sector in Western Australia – in particular, the investment in training that equips people to take up jobs that are, or will be, in high demand. To support this, the Jobs and Skills WA website is a one-stop online shop for Western Australians, bringing information and resources about vocational education and training, careers and jobs together for the first time in one place.

KGT Kimberley Group Training

Kimberley Group Training, also known as KGT Employment, is an accredited group training organisation that offers Australian apprenticeships in the Kimberley region.

Labour force

The labour force is the most widely used measure of the economically active population. The labour force framework classifies the in-scope population into three mutually exclusive categories, at a given point in time: employed; unemployed; and not in the labour force. The employed and unemployed categories together make up the labour force which gives a measure of the number of people contributing to, or actively looking and immediately available for, the supply of labour at that time. The third category (not in the labour force) represents the currently inactive population.

Labour force status

Labour force status classifies people in the civilian population aged 15 years and over, as employed, unemployed or not in the labour force.

Labour force underutilisation rate

This term refers to the sum of the number of persons unemployed and the number of persons underemployed, expressed as a proportion of the labour force.This term refers to the sum of the number of persons unemployed and the number of persons underemployed, expressed as a proportion of the labour force.

Labour market

The labour market refers to the interaction of workers and employers as suppliers of labour services (workers) and the demanders of labour services (employers) and the resulting pattern of wages, employment and income.

Labour shortage

A labour shortage is a deficit in the number of people participating in the workforce.

Labour supply

The labour supply is the availability of suitable human resources in a particular market. In economic theory it is the number of total hours that workers wish to work at a given real wage rate.

LTC Logistics Training Council

LTC is an industry training advisory body recognised by the State Training Board for the purposes of independent industry advice to the State Training Board and the Minister for Education and Training for the ANZSIC industry sectors: wholesale trade; and transport, postal and warehousing.

Mature age population

All persons aged 45 to 64 years are classed as the mature age population.

MEAST Maximising Engagement Attainment and Successful Transitions

These are strategies which focus on multiple learning pathways, career development and mentoring, particularly for young people transitioning from school into post school education, training and employment.

MDEGYA Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians

The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians articulates nationally consistent future directions and aspirations for Australian schooling agreed by all Australian education Ministers. The Melbourne Declaration has two overarching goals for schooling in Australia.

Goal 1 – Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence.

Goal 2 – All young Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.

MLA Member of the Legislative Assembly

A member of the Lower House of Parliament in Western Australia.

MLC Member of the Legislative Council

A member of the Upper House of Parliament in Western Australia.

Migrant

A migrant is a person who was born overseas and has made a conscious choice to move to another country. The scope of several ABS surveys restricts the definition of migrants to include only migrants who arrived in Australia in the last 20 years and who were aged 15 years or more on arrival and who obtained permanent Australian resident status.

Migration agent

Migration agents in Australia must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. A registered migration agent is able to advise on visa requirements and help lodge a visa application on behalf of a client.

MCEEDYA Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs

The Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs is now the Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC).

MCTEE Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment

MCTEE was replaced by the Standing Council for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE) in 2009.

MTA Motor Trade Association of WA

The MTA is the voice of the motor industry and is run by members for members.  It champions industry issues on behalf of members who individually would not be heard by government.

NAIDOC National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee

The origins of NAIDOC can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s who sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.  NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

NATESE National Advisory for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment

NATESE provides a secretariat structure to facilitate and support the key advisory councils of the  Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.

NA National agreement

National agreements define the objectives, outcomes, outputs and performance indicators, and clarify the roles and responsibilities that guide the Commonwealth and the States in the delivery of services across key sectors.  The National Agreements are available at the Council on Federal Financial Relations website.

NCETS National Centre for Education and Training Statistics

The National Centre for Education and Training Statistics is based at the ABS and was established in July 2000 to provide timely and relevant data covering a broad range of education and training issues and to coordinate the development and provision of national statistics in the field of education and training.

NCVER National Centre for Vocational Education Research

Australia’s principal provider of vocational education and training research and statistics which informs policy and practice in Australia’s training system. It is a professional and independent body responsible for collecting, managing, analysing, evaluating and communicating research and statistics about vocational education and training nationally.

NDIA National Disability Insurance Agency

The NDIA is an independent statutory agency whose role is to implement the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which will support a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers.

NETSU National Education and Training Statistics Unit

This unit was established in Canberra by the ABS in partnership with Commonwealth and State agencies responsible for education and training. It focuses on leadership for the development of statistics in education and training, and coordination of statistical developments to improve data quality and comparability of statistics.

NECA National Electrical and Communications Association

NECA is the peak industry body that represents the best interests of the electrical and communications contracting industry in Australia. It is the only peak body that is run by contractors for contractors.

NEAS National ELT (English Language Teaching) Accreditation Scheme

NEAS endorses English language centres in universities, colleges and high schools.  Endorsed centres are granted the NEAS quality mark, internationally recognised and valued by students, teachers, agents and governments.

NFSS National Foundation Skills Strategy

This strategy is a ten year framework which brings a national focus to improving education and employment outcomes for working age Australians with low levels of foundations skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employability skills).

NIRA National Indigenous Reform Agreement

The NIRA frames the task of closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.  It sets out the objectives, outcomes, outputs, performance indicators and performance benchmarks agreed by COAG.

NISC National Industry Skills Committee

In 2010,  after reviewing the governance arrangements for the national VET system, the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE) agreed to replace NISC as the single source of expert industry advice with four principal committees.

NP-YAT National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions

The National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions seeks to increase young people’s participation in education and training.  It also wishes to lift qualifications to meet a national target of 90% of young people aged 20 — 24 attaining a year 12 or equivalent qualification by 2015, and improve successful transitions from school to further education, training or employment.

NPs National partnerships

These partnerships, funded by the Commonwealth Government, support the delivery of specified projects, facilitate reforms or reward those jurisdictions that deliver on nationally significant reforms.

NPC National Police Certificate

An NPC lists an individual’s criminal and WA traffic court outcomes and pending charges that are deemed disclosable at the time of application.

NQC National Quality Council

A former committee of the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE). It was established in December 2005 to oversee quality assurance and to ensure national consistency in the application of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards for the audit and registration of training providers and registration and course accrediting bodies. The NQC was dissolved in June 2011 by MCTEE and many of its functions were taken over by the now defunct National Skills Standards Council (NSSC).

NRPL National recognition of prior learning

National recognition of prior learning is the recognition of learning achieved through formal education and training where there is a current equivalent unit on training.gov.au. Under the Standards for registered training organisations 2015, qualifications and statements of attainment issued by any RTO are to be accepted and recognised by all other RTOs.

National recognition allows a student to be awarded a unit of competency/module based on successful completion of the unit which has been previously awarded. 

NSOC National Senior Officials Committee

Membership of NSOC is comprised of Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth, state, territory and New Zealand government departments responsible for tertiary education, skills and employment. The Committee is chaired by the Commonwealth and meets at least four times a year.

NSF National Skills Framework

This framework sets out the national training system's requirements for quality and national consistency in terms of qualifications and the delivery of training. The NSF, which applies nationally, was endorsed by the former Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment. It replaced the National Training Framework.

NSNL National Skills Needs List

The National Skills Needs List identifies occupations that are deemed to be in national skill shortage. The List is used to determine eligibility for a number of payments available under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme.

NSSC National Skills Standards Council

The NSSC is a committee of the Standing Council for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.  The NSSC is responsible for developing and maintaining the national standards that regulate the vocational education and training sector for approval by SCOTESE, and for advising SCOTESE of any issues relating to the standards and their implementation.

NTF National Training Framework

The National Training Framework has been replaced by the National Skills Framework.

NTIS National Training Information Service

Training.gov.au has replaced the National Training Information Service as the national register for the national training system. The training.gov.au system supports all of the services previously provided by NTIS.

NTS National Training System

A set of organisational arrangements between the Australian Government and state and territory governments working with industry, employers and training providers to deliver vocational education and training.  Its key roles are driving economic growth and addressing areas of skills needs. Through strong industry leadership, the national training system provides Australians with the skills needed to enter the workforce for the first time, to re-enter the workforce, to retrain for a new job, to upgrade skills for an existing job, and to learn throughout their lives.

NVEAC National VET Equity Advisory Council

The Council was established to improve training and employment outcomes for those at risk of disadvantage in the national training system, by providing leadership for cultural and systemic change in vocational education and training.

NIA Needs and Impact Assessment

The NIA is a project the Department is required to complete by the Equal Opportunity Commission on an annual basis and is part of the Department’s Substantive Equality Policy.

NLEET Neither in the labour force nor in education, employment or training

Similar to NEET but NLEET excludes those youth who are unemployed as they are counted in labour force.

NIM Net interstate migration

Net interstate migration is the net gain or loss of population through the movement of people from one state or territory of usual residence to another. The net interstate migration rate expresses this gain or loss as a proportion (per cent) of the population at the beginning of the year. It is an important component required to calculate Australia's estimated resident population at the state and territory level.

NOM Net overseas migration

Net overseas migration is the change to the Australian population arising from the difference between long term arrivals and long term departures.

North Metropolitan TAFE

North Metropolitan TAFE is the established State Government provider of vocational education and training for the northern Perth region. The organisation originated from the recent merger of the former West Coast Institute of Training and Central Institute of Technology.

North Regional TAFE

North Regional TAFE is the largest provider of training and vocational services in the north of Western Australia, servicing industries and communities across a region exceeding one million square kilometres. North Regional TAFE has twelve campuses – from Karratha in the south to Kununurra in the north – with the College’s three largest delivery centres at Broome, South Hedland and Karratha.

NEC Not elsewhere classified

Refers to activities included in an industry that do not constitute homogeneous primary activities, but rather diverse activities which are not sufficiently significant to be classified as a separate industry class. These activities are therefore grouped together within the ANZSIC Group and have an n.e.c. suffix (e.g. C2179 — food manufacturing n.e.c).

NEET Not in education, employment or training

The term NEET can be applied to a young person who is not engaged in education, employment or training and is not actively seeking work.

Not in the labour force

Not in the labour force refers to those people who are classified as neither employed nor unemployed.

NOA Notice of arrangements

An NOA is a form that needs to be submitted for any young person, who at any time during the year they turn 16 or 17, wishes to engage in an option other than full time school.

OSTB Office of the State Training Board

The OSTB is a business unit of the Department of Training and Workforce Development that provides secretariat support to the State Training Board.

OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

OECD brings together the governments of countries committed to democracy and the market economy from around the world to:   

  • support sustainable economic growth;
  • boost employment;
  • raise living standards;
  • maintain financial stability;
  • assist other countries' economic development; and
  • contribute to growth in world trade.
Participation rate

The participation rate can be applied to any group and refers to the labour force expressed as a percentage of the civilian population aged 15 years and over in the same group.

PES Performance Evaluation and Statistics

PES is a branch of the Policy, Planning and Innovation directorate within the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

PPI Policy, Planning and Innovation

PPI is a directorate within the Department of Training and Workforce Development.  It produces workforce planning strategies that meet Western Australia’s economic and community needs.

PPR Policy, Planning and Research

PPR is a branch within PPI within the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Population projections

Population projections are informed estimates of the size of the population at a time in the future. In Australia, this refers to ABS population projections that take the base year population for each sex by single years of age and advance it year by year by applying assumptions about future mortality and migration. Assumed age-specific fertility rates are applied to the female populations of child-bearing ages to provide the estimates of new births for each year. The ABS produces several series of population projections based on different combinations of assumptions about mortality, fertility and migration.

PAiS Pre-apprenticeships in schools

Pre-apprenticeships in schools are Certificate II qualifications that can lead to a related apprenticeship. In a PAiS program you will attend school, train at an RTO, and undertake a work placement.

PIQL Priority industry qualifications list

Priority industry qualifications equip students to take up jobs in skilled occupations that are in high demand across Western Australia. The Priority industry qualifications list (PIQL) is updated each year to reflect changes in the WA economy.

PQL Priority Qualification List

The PQL is a list of qualifications that are high priority to WA. The list  is created from a comprehensive analysis of labour market data and industry advice. The list is used for the purposes of Future Skills WA.

PPP Public private partnership

A PPP is a long term contract between the public and private sectors where government pays the private sector to deliver infrastructure and related services on behalf, or in support, of government’s broader service responsibilities.

RPL Recognition of prior learning

RPL is a form of assessment that acknowledges formal and informal learning gained through previous training and education, work experience and life experience.

The RPL process involves validation of existing skills and knowledge. Through this process credits in a course and, in some cases, a full qualification may be able to be obtained.

RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

A RAP publicly formalises an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation by identifying clear actions with realistic targets. It is developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and leaders.

RAMS Recruitment Advertising Management System

RAMS is an online recruitment system for the public sector within WA. RAMS is used to advertise vacancies on the Jobs WA website.

RTO Registered training organisation

RTOs provide and assess nationally recognised vocational education and training and issue AQF qualifications and statements of attainment. They must meet AQTF standards. RTOs must be registered with the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia.

RTONet Registered training organisation network

RTONet provided registered training organisation access to registration, contract and curriculum information and STARS. 

Please note that RTONet has now been replaced by the TAMS RTO portal for RTOs at tamsrtoportal.dtwd.wa.gov.au.

RAPT Resource Allocation Program for Training

RAPT is the internet based system that can be accessed by a contracted registered training organisation to enable lodgement of reports, validation of data and obtain information relating to payments from the Department.

SBA School-based apprenticeship

A school-based apprenticeship can be undertaken by a full time secondary student. He/she enters into an employment based training contract where the student is both enrolled as a full time school student and employed as a part time employee as per the relevant industry award, with the same responsibilities as a typical apprentice or trainee. The SBA contributes towards the student’s Western Australian Certificate of Education. (See also SBT)

SBT School-based traineeship

A school-based traineeship can be undertaken by a full time secondary student. He/she enters into an employment based training contract where the student is both enrolled as a full time school student and employed as a part time employee as per the relevant industry award, with the same responsibilities as a typical apprentice or trainee. The SBT contributes towards the student’s Western Australian Certificate of Education. (See also SBA)

Seasonal adjustment

Seasonal adjustment is a means of removing the estimated effects of normal seasonal variation from data so that the effects of other influences can be more clearly recognised.

Seasonally adjusted series

A seasonally adjusted series is a time series of estimates with the estimated effects of normal season variation removed.

SRM Service Resource Management

SRM is a directorate within the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Its aim is to provide strategic investment to support the priority skills needs of Western Australia.SRM is a directorate within the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Its aim is to provide strategic investment to support the priority skills needs of Western Australia.

SMWA Skilled Migration Western Australia

The Government of Western Australia nominates eligible migrants for the Skilled Nominated and Regional (Provisional) Skilled Nominated visa categories. SMWA processes nominations on behalf of the State Government. Those applicants nominated by SMWA are given an automatic invitation to apply for the visa from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

SOL Skilled occupation list

This list identifies high value occupations and is controlled by the  Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (previously the Department of Immigration and Citizenship). It is used for the overall General Skilled Migration program.

SAW Skilling Australia’s Workforce

Refers to the Skilling Australia's Workforce Act 2005; a Federal Act to grant financial assistance to the states and territories and to other persons for vocational education and training and related purposes.

Skilling WA: A workforce development plan for Western Australia

Skilling WA was developed by the State of Western Australia in response to the increasing demand for skills and labour by the State’s industries. It recognises the impact the major resources and infrastructure projects have on the State’s labour market and is aimed at building, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce to meet the economic needs of the State.

SWD Skills and Workforce Development

A sub group of the COAG Productivity Agenda Working Group to progress national reforms.

SSO Skills Service Organisation

Organisations that support IRCs to develop the training packages that industry needs.

Skills shortage

The term skills shortage is used when employers are unable to fill or have considerable difficulty in filling vacancies for an occupation or specialised skill needs within that occupation, at current levels of remuneration and conditions of employment, and reasonably accessible location. Shortages are typically for specialised and experienced workers. An occupation may be in shortage even though not all specialisations are in shortage. Occupations may be in shortage in particular geographical areas and not in others. Skills shortages generally involve skills that require a significant period of training and/or experience.

South Metropolitan TAFE

Challenger Institute of Technology and Polytechnic West amalgamated in 2016 to form South Metropolitan TAFE, creating one of Western Australia’s most diverse training providers with major campuses in Bentley, Carlisle, Fremantle, Murdoch, Rockingham, Thornlie and Mandurah. South Metropolitan TAFE offers more than 500 qualifications, from foundation courses and apprenticeships to associate degrees, with over 39 000 students across its campuses.

South Regional TAFE

In 2016, South West Institute of Technology, Great Southern Institute of Technology, the CY O’Connor Institute Narrogin campus and the Goldfields Institute of Technology Esperance campus formed South Regional TAFE.

SCSEEC Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood

As from 1 July 2014, The Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC) will be known as the Education Council.

SPOL State priority occupation list

The State priority occupation list (SPOL) is produced each year by the Department in consultation with key stakeholders, including the State’s industry training councils, to inform and guide workforce planning and development for Western Australia. It is a list of occupations rated according to their priority status for WA. It also informs the WA State training plan, which guides the allocation of subsidised training programs into areas of prioritised need. It also informs WA workforce development planning and the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL).

SPOL State priority occupation list

The State priority occupation list (SPOL) is produced each year by the Department in consultation with key stakeholders, including the State’s industry training councils, to inform and guide workforce planning and development for Western Australia. It is a list of occupations rated according to their priority status for WA. It also informs the WA State training plan, which guides the allocation of subsidised training programs into areas of prioritised need. It also informs WA workforce development planning and the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL).

SSO State Solicitors Office

The SSO is responsible for the provision of broad based, high quality legal services to the Government of Western Australia and to a wide range of state government client departments and agencies.

STB State Training Board

The STB is a statutory body established in accordance with the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996. The role of the Board is to provide high level expert advice to the Minister on matters relating to vocational education and training in Western Australia.

SWP State Workforce Planning

SWP is a branch within PPI within the Department of Training and Workforce Development, whose aim is to provide workforce planning strategies that meet Western Australia’s economic and community needs.

SC Steering committee

An advisory committee usually comprising of high level stakeholders and/or reputed experts who provide guidance on key issues such as company policy and objectives, budgetary control, marketing strategy, resource allocation, and decisions involving large expenditures.

TAC appeals

A person dissatisfied with a decision made by the Training Accreditation Council may appeal to the State Training Board in accordance with section 58G of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996.

TDA TAFE Directors Australia

TAFE Directors Australia is the peak national body incorporated to represent Australia’s 58 government owned TAFE colleges and university TAFE divisions, and the Australia-Pacific Technical College.

The core business of TDA is supporting our member institutes, leading the advocacy for quality skills in Australia, and managing a range of international education and training projects in cooperation with our institutes.

TAMS TAMS Portal

The TAMS Portal provides registered training organisation access to information including Preferred Provider lists and payment tables. TAMS replaces RTONet / STARS.

You can view view the TAMS RTO portal for RTOs at tamsrtoportal.dtwd.wa.gov.au.

TAFE Technical and Further Education

A publicly funded post-secondary organisation which provides a range of technical and vocational education and training courses and other programs, eg entry and bridging courses, language and literacy courses, adult basic education courses, personal enrichment courses, and small business courses. Each state and territory has its own TAFE system.  They are the primary providers of publicly-funded vocational education and training.

TAFEWA Technical and further Education in Western Australia

Technical and further education colleges in Western Australia.

TTC Trade Training Centre

Trade training centres were established in schools to help increase the proportion of students achieving year 12 or an equivalent qualification and to help address skill shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries through financial assistance. In 2017–18 there are 511 TTCs.

TAC Training Accreditation Council

The Training Accreditation Council is Western Australia's registering and course accrediting body. It is responsible for the quality assurance and recognition of vocational education and training services in WA.

The Council, which meets monthly, is committed to strengthening its relationships with stakeholders and improving the overall quality of the VET sector. It is also committed to the great responsibility of responding to identified risks.

TIM Training Infrastructure Management

TIM is a branch within SRM within DTWD, whose aim is to provide strategic investment to support the priority skills needs of Western Australia.

Trend series

A trend series is a seasonally adjusted series that has been further adjusted to remove irregular effects and 'smooth' out the series to show the overall 'trend' of the data over time.

Underemployed

Underemployed is the term used to describe persons employed for less hours than they need or inadequately employed at a low-paying job that requires less skill or training than they possess.

Underemployment rate

Underemployment rate is the term used to describe the number of underemployed workers expressed as a percentage of the labour force.

USIQ Underpinning Skills for Industry Qualifications course

The USIQ course aims to address the different categories of students who may require additional time and specialised teaching to successfully complete an industry specific vocational qualification, enabling students to develop, consolidate and apply a range of mathematical, technological, cognitive, social communication and problem-solving skills required to be competent in the workplace.

Unemployed

An unemployed person is someone who does not have a job but is actively seeking work.

USI Unique Student Identifier

The Unique Student Identifier is an account (or reference number) made up of numbers and letters, unique to each student, that enables online access to training records and results through a transcript service. This includes students studying at TAFE or with a private training organisation, completing an apprenticeship or skill set, certificate (eg a first aid certificate or white card training) or accredited vocational education and training course or qualification.

UEEATC Utilities, Engineering, Electrical and Automotive Training Council

The Utilities, Engineering, Electrical and Automotive Training Council is an industry training advisory body recognised by the State Training Board for the purposes of providing independent industry advice to the State Training Board and the Minister for Education and Training for the ANZSIC industry sectors: manufacturing (primary metal and metal product manufacturing; fabricated metal product manufacturing; transport equipment manufacturing; machinery and equipment manufacturing; furniture and other manufacturing); electricity, gas, water and waste services; construction services (electrical services, air conditioning and heating services; fire and security alarm installation services); wholesale trade (motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesaling); retail trade (motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesaling, fuel retailing); pipeline transport; passenger car rental and hiring; other motor vehicle and transport equipment rental and hiring; engineering design and engineering consulting services; and other services (repair and maintenance).

VOCED Vocational Education

VOCED became VOCEDplus in 2011.

VET Vocational education and training

VET is a national system of post-compulsory education and training, designed to skill workers for particular industries.  VET also includes programs which provide the basis for subsequent vocational programs. It is underpinned by a national training framework.  The education and training is delivered by TAFE colleges and institutes or registered private providers.

VET Vocational education and training

VET is a national system of post-compulsory education and training, designed to skill workers for particular industries.  VET also includes programs which provide the basis for subsequent vocational programs. It is underpinned by a national training framework.  The education and training is delivered by TAFE colleges and institutes or registered private providers.

VETiS Vocational Education and Training in Schools

Vocational education and training delivered by schools , which allows students to combine vocational studies with their general education curriculum. Students participating in VETiS continue to work towards their WACE, while the VET component of their studies gives them credit towards a nationally recognised VET qualification. VET in Schools programs may involve structured work placements.

Please note: From 2018, the terms 'VET in Schools' and/or 'VETiS' are no longer in use. The new term is 'VET delivered to secondary students'.

VOCEDplus VOCEDplus

VOCEDplus is a free international research database for tertiary education, especially as it relates to workforce needs, skills development, and social inclusion. VOCEDplus is produced by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, based in Adelaide.

STB Western Australia State Training Board

The STB is a statutory body established in accordance with the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996. The role of the Board is to provide high level expert advice to the Minister on matters relating to vocational education and training in Western Australia.

WATA Western Australia Training Awards

The WA Training Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, and the contribution to training made by trainers, training organisations and employers. The State Training Board is an Awards partner.

WAALC Western Australian Adult Literacy Council

The Western Australian Adult Literacy Council was established with the purpose of ensuring that all adult Western Australians have the opportunity to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required to actively participate in our increasingly complex society.

WASMOL Western Australian Skilled migration occupation list

Applicants who have an occupation identified on the WA Skilled migration occupation list may be eligible for Western Australian State nomination using either the Skilled-nominated (subclass 190) visa or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa.

WWCC Working with children check

A comprehensive criminal record check for certain people involved in child related work in Western Australia; for example those working in a childcare facility or school. 

Youth unemployment

Youth unemployment is the unemployment of young people, defined by the United Nations as 15 — 24 years old.

WAAMS  Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System

Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS). WAAMS is an online client portal that will deliver significant benefits, including 24/7 online access to view and manage training contracts and greater flexibility to manage your personal details and/or those of your organisation. For most types of training contract changes, you can submit requests (either individually or in bulk) in the client portal, replacing the current requirement to submit forms via email to the Apprenticeship Office. Where possible, change requests will be instantly approved.