The Australian Universities Accord found that barriers between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education need to be removed to create a more seamless and joined-up tertiary education system. A more joined-up tertiary system will strengthen connections between VET and higher education, create clearer pathways for students, and help to harness the strengths of each sector.

On this page

The priorities and deliverables of the ATEC include progressing work towards a joined-up tertiary system in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and state and territory governments. 


ATEC will build upon JSA’s report, Opportunity and Productivity: Towards a Tertiary Harmonisation Roadmap to help promote equitable access to tertiary education, better enable students to navigate the tertiary education system, and help students obtain the combination of knowledge and skills needed to successfully participate in the labour market. 

Tertiary system roadmap

The ATEC is leading the development of a tertiary system Roadmap (the Roadmap), supported by a new Tertiary System Advisory Council (the Council) chaired by Professor Barney Glover AO in his dual role as JSA Commissioner and interim Chief Commissioner of the ATEC.  

The Roadmap will set out practical steps to make it easier for learners to navigate the education and training system and move between VET and higher education.  

It will also encourage collaboration between tertiary providers, business, and unions to deliver well-designed education and training programs to deliver on Australia’s future skills needs.   

The Council will have broad membership, including representatives from business, unions, the VET and higher education sectors, First Nations, the Australian Government, and a representative from each state and territory.  

National Credit Recognition Framework 

On Monday 9 March 2026, Ministers Clare and Giles formally announced that the ATEC will be developing a National Credit Recognition Framework (the Framework).  

The Framework will build on the work some TAFEs and universities are already doing to reduce the length of a degree for students who have VET qualifications in the same field of education, such as nursing and teaching. 

The Framework will be developed in consultation with the Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and Jobs and Skills Australia and in close collaboration with state and territory governments. 
The Framework will be able to be implemented by universities from 1 January 2027 and will be part of the Tertiary Roadmap.