Welcome to the December Update
As 2025 comes to an end, we reflect on a year of significant progress in preparing for implementation of the Registration Standards 2025 (2025 Standards) from 1 January 2026.
This year, the Council has worked closely with the WA VET sector to ensure the smooth introduction of the 2025 Standards including:
- Regulatory alignment – finalised amendments to WA Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations 2009 (VET regulations)
- Registration Standards 2025 Hub - a central resource providing support to RTOs including guidance materials, fact sheets, and FAQs.
- RTO Portal upgrades – new initial, renewal and amendment to registration application forms, self-assessment tools and application guides aligned to the 2025 Standards and available online.
- TAC Education Program – a comprehensive program of webinars and podcasts covering topics such as training and assessment, RTO governance and inclusive practice, and recordings of workshops from the annual TAC Event, The Next Chapter: 2025 Standards.
What’s Next for 2026
Focus on Quality – TAC Regulatory Strategy 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027
TAC’s New Regulatory Strategy is now available on the TAC website. Developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and research, the Strategy will commence from 1 January.
Expressions of Interest – Chairperson of TAC
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the role of Chairperson of the Training Accreditation Council are invited. More information on the EOI process is provided in the TAC Update or you can visit TAC Special Bulletin – EOI Chairperson.
Regional Roadshows
In 2026 TAC will continue to support the implementation of the 2025 Standards through planned regional roadshows across WA. Details about the roadshows are available further on in this newsletter.
Focus on Quality – TAC Regulatory Strategy 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027
The Council is pleased to announce the release of its new regulatory strategy: Focus on Quality – TAC Regulatory Strategy 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027.
The Strategy informs RTOs and VET stakeholders about specific focus areas the Council has identified as posing the highest risk to the quality of VET and the regulatory actions to monitor and minimise those risks. In publishing the document, the Council seeks to engage and motivate RTOs to achieve quality VET outcomes for Western Australia.
During the 2026–2027 period, the Council will:
- Continue to support RTOs as they implement the 2025 Standards.
- Focus regulatory strategies on areas deemed to pose a risk to quality outcomes, categorised under three headings – 2025 Standards; Training Products; and Sector Monitoring. The latter involving a review of RTOs that have had minimal or no regulatory assessment to ensure sufficient oversight of the sector
- Continue to provide a comprehensive education program that supports quality outcomes and compliance practices.
The Focus on Quality – TAC Regulatory Strategy 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027 is now available on the TAC website.
EOI for TAC Chairperson
Help influence the quality of vocational education and training in Western Australia
You can contribute to the quality assurance of vocational education and training (VET) by becoming the Chairperson of the Training Accreditation Council (the Council).
The Minister for Skills and TAFE is looking for a person with effective leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, knowledge and experience in governance, regulation and quality assurance to help influence the quality of VET throughout Western Australia.
If you have these skills, knowledge and experience, we would like to hear from you.
Expressions of interest for Chairperson of the Training Accreditation Council are now invited.
Visit the TAC website for more information on how to apply.
TAC Education Program
Upcoming Events:
Register now for our upcoming event. You can also be alerted to new events by following Event Page on Humanitix.
TAC is hitting the road with a regional roadshow designed for RTOs registered with TAC.
TAC 2026 Roadshows:
This is your chance to connect face-to-face and gain practical insights into the 2025 Standards.
Each free event includes three practical workshops:
- Delivering Quality Training that Supports Student Progression
- Reasonable Adjustment vs Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If we are in your area, we would love to see you. Secure your spot now.
- 📆 ALBANY - 18 February - Register Now
- 📆 GERALDTON - 23 February - Register Now
- 📆 KALGOORLIE - 29 April - Register Now
- 📆 BROOME - 22 May - Register Now
- 📆 SOUTH HEDLAND - 12 June - Register Now
- 📆 BUNBURY - 15 July - Register Now
Webinar Recordings:
View the TAC Education Program to access professional development opportunities, support and guidance materials and access previous webinar recordings and resources.
2025 AVETMISS Reporting
The collection window for RTO’s 2025 annual fee-for-service activity opens on 1 January 2026 and will close on 28 February 2026. Plan ahead and validate your data early, submitting on time helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures compliance.
Non-publicly funded data
RTOs are required to collect and submit full AVETMISS data on all nationally recognised training where there is a responsibility for issuing a statement of attainment or qualification. The AVETMISS VET provider collection specifications, data element definitions, and the RTO Reporting Requirements section on the TAC website provide more information on what is expected to be collected and reported.
Publicly funded data
All publicly funded data reporting is submitted directly to the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), the State Training Authority (STA) in WA via current Training Allocation Management System (TAMS) reporting requirements.
RTOs accessing state funding should contact DTWD via training.markets@dtwd.wa.gov.au with further enquiries regarding submission of AVETMISS data, as the requirements differ for training delivered under funding agreements.
Focus on Quality Article - Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a vital process that allows students to have their existing skills and knowledge assessed against the requirements of a qualification or unit of competency. When implemented well, RPL supports flexibility, reduces duplication of learning, and acknowledges the value of prior experience. However, maintaining quality in RPL is essential to ensure outcomes are valid, reliable and meet the 2025 Standards.
What is RPL?
RPL is not a shortcut to a qualification. It is a formal assessment process that determines whether a student’s prior learning, gained through work, training, or life experience, meets the competency requirements of the relevant training product. The same rigour applied to any assessment must apply to RPL.
Key Principles for Quality RPL
The 2025 Standards emphasise robust assessment practices and student support. RPL processes must align with:
- Outcome Standard 2.4 – Assessment Practices
RPL must meet the Principles of Assessment (fairness, flexibility, validity, reliability) and Rules of Evidence (valid, sufficient, authentic, current). Evidence may include portfolios, work samples and demonstrations of practical skills. - Outcome Standard 2.5 – Student Support
Students should receive clear information about RPL, including evidence requirements and process steps. Guidance is essential to help students identify and present suitable evidence. - Outcome Standard 2.6 – Assessor Competence
RPL assessments must be conducted by qualified assessors who meet vocational competency and compliance requirements.
Common Pitfalls
Quality issues often arise when RPL is treated as a paperwork exercise rather than a robust assessment. Insufficient evidence, lack of assessor engagement, or unclear processes can compromise compliance and student outcomes.
Best Practice
- Develop clear RPL policies and procedures.
- Use structured tools such as checklists and mapping documents to ensure all competency requirements are addressed.
- Maintain transparency and document all assessment decisions.
- Regularly review RPL practices as part of your quality assurance system.
RPL offers significant benefits for students and industry when implemented with integrity. By applying rigorous assessment practices and supporting students through the process, RTOs can uphold quality and compliance while recognising the value of prior learning.
For more guidance, visit the Recognition of Prior Learning Fact Sheet.
Office Closure
Please note that the TAC Secretariat will be closed for a short period from 25 December 2025, reopening on Friday 2 January 2026.
The Council and Secretariat staff wish you all a wonderful festive season and look forward to working with you in 2026.
Other Important Updates
Australian Training Awards
The Training Accreditation Council congratulates all finalists and winners of the 2024 Australian Training Awards. Special recognition goes to the Western Australian winner Arabella Poole, who won the Vocational Student of the Year Award.
In addition, WA's 2025 Small Training Provider of the Year winner Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training, was awarded Gold in the national category.
Jobs and Skills Australia
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released the following:
Consultation
Reports:
- 2025-26 Work Plan - 5 Dec
- International Labour Market Update - November 2025 - 28 Nov
Latest NCVER Reports
NCVER has released the following new reports:
- NCVER Annual reports - 4 Dec
- NCVER annual report 2024-25 - 4 Dec
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