Australia and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on quality assurance for vocational education and training (VET).
Assistant Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham said assuring the quality of skills training being delivered by Australian providers in China is a key focus for building stronger educational ties in the future.
Speaking in China following his meeting with Chinese Vice Minister for Education, Mr Hao Ping, Senator Birmingham said the Australian Government is building strong partnerships with China in the area of quality training and skills development.
“We are committed to working with Australian skills providers in China, and other countries, to ensure a high quality of skills training delivered overseas, just as we do at home,” Senator Birmingham said.
An MoU has been signed between the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the China Education Association for International Exchange, to strengthen the skills and VET relationship with China and ensure the ongoing quality of training.
“With around 35,000 enrolments in courses operated by Australian training providers in China, providing Australian qualifications, it is increasingly important that we ensure they are delivered to the same high quality standards as we expect in Australia.
“This MoU helps our national training regulator, ASQA, to provide ongoing confidence on quality in training services, whether being delivered at home in Australia or in Beijing by Chinese-based Australian providers.
“China is one of Australia’s most important education partners, with a two-way flow of students. I am pleased that through the MoU and my meeting with Chinese Vice Minister for Education Mr Hao Ping, we are making the Australia-China training relationship even stronger.
“I look forward to continuing to work with ASQA and my Chinese counterparts to give real effect to this MoU, including through the provision of quality assurance audits of Australian training providers operating in China.”
Senator Birmingham’s media contact: Caitlin Keage 0427 729 987
Department Media: media@education.gov.au