To stay a global leader in VET, Australia must quickly address emerging challenges, skill gaps, and market opportunities. Modern systems and a new VET Information Standard are essential.
The VET Data Streamlining (VDS) Program is the foundation of the Enhanced VET Data and Evidence initiative, aimed at enhancing the accuracy, timeliness, and security of VET activity data. This initiative is a key component of the National Skills Agreement (NSA), which began on 1 January 2024.
Once fully implemented, the outcomes of the VDS Program will be simplified reporting pathways, improved data quality, reduced reporting timelines, and decreased time delay between data creation, collection, and usage.
The VDS Program is a collaborative effort involving Commonwealth, state and territory training authorities, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), and VET sector regulators. Meshed Group is proud to be working closely with the government during this transition phase, ensuring our systems align with program requirements and supporting a smooth transition for training providers.
Sector transition timeline
In the coming years, there will be some transformational changes to the collection, submission and use of VET data.
Components of the VDS Program
There are three components to the Program:
New VET Information Standard – Replacing the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS) 8.
Student and Training Activity Reporting System (STARS) – A new system that supports the VET Information Standard. The system integrates with Student Management Systems (SMS), and is accessible by NCVER and government bodies, including VET sector regulators.
Policy and Legislation Updates – Ensuring alignment with the new VET data standard and system, and enabling increased data submission frequency.
Under the extended National Skills Agreement (NSA), the VDS Program will continue through December 2028. The Program will be rolled out progressively, allowing training organisations ample time to transition to the new data submission processes.
The VDS Program is working closely with all stakeholders to develop a transition timeline that meets everyone’s needs.
By 31 December 2028, the new VET Information Standard and the transition to the National VET Data System (STARS) will be delivered with regular oversight by Skills Ministers.
Benefits for the VET Sector
- More efficient data validation and submission practices and flow of data throughout the VET sector.
- A richer, consistent national dataset due to an expanded VET Information Standard.
- Up-to-date evidence of VET student competencies and training progress.
- Improved protection of data through contemporary system controls and cyber security measures.
- More timely, national VET dataset supporting evidence-based decision-making for consumers of VET data.
- Enhanced analytics capabilities that are trusted by governments and others to inform decisions.
Read more – VET Data Streamlining program – Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government
Meshed Group’s Role
As one of the sector’s leading SMS providers, Meshed Group is actively collaborating with the government during the rollout of the VDS Program. Our involvement ensures that:
- our systems are prepared for the new VET Information Standard
- integration with STARS progresses smoothly
- clients receive timely updates, support, and guidance
We are committed to helping RTOs navigate these changes with confidence and remain compliant throughout the entire transition period.
