From Vocational Education to Higher Education: A Case Study

How to Move from VET to Higher Education

Client Overview: Vocational Education Provider’s Journey

Institute B, an Australian-based vocational education provider, aimed to secure registration to offer accredited training programs. This can be in fields such as hospitality, business, and IT. With aspirations to become a leading player in vocational education, the institute targeted both local and international students. They were able to search for those who sought moving from high-quality vocational education opportunities.

Objective: Advancing Vocational Education Goals

Institute B’s main objective was to move from being an ASQA Registered Training Organisation (RTO)  in Australia to gain registration as a TEQSA provider. This accreditation would enable them to offer nationally recognized qualifications in higher education. Additionally, they aimed to establish a sustainable business model. Also, they wanted to position themselves as a leader in their field. They also wanted to tap into a growing student base and elevate their educational standards.

Challenges in Vocational Education Expansion

Navigating Regulatory Compliance

Offering More Degrees: Vocational to Higher Education

The regulatory framework set forth by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) presented significant challenges. To comply with ASQA’s Standards for RTOs, Institute B needed to ensure that its courses, assessments, and operational practices were fully aligned with the required industry standards. Specifically, TEQSA has an entirely different set of regulations and assumptions to ASQA. Navigating this transition from VET to TEQSA is complex and challenging.

Curriculum Development for Industry Relevance

Institute B needed to create a curriculum aligned with industry needs and TEQSA Standards. Moreover, this curriculum development process was essential for delivering relevant programs and attracting a diverse student base.

Growth and Scalability in Specialised Training

Beyond obtaining RTO registration, Institute B aimed to expand its programs to accommodate hundreds of students. Achieving this goal required a comprehensive business plan, scalable operations, and targeted recruitment strategies tailored to the training market.

Enhancing Student Support Services

Delivering high-quality student support services was crucial to maintaining Institute B’s reputation and ensuring ASQA compliance. Services such as counseling, academic advising, and career placement played an essential role in creating a well-rounded student experience.

Darlo Higher Education’s Approach to Helping the Transition from VET to Higher Education

Darlo Higher Education partnered with Institute B to guide them through the RTO registration process and support their long-term growth in vocational education. The approach involved several strategic steps:

Regulatory Audit and Compliance Strategy

Darlo conducted a thorough audit of Institute B’s governance, course structures, and documentation to identify gaps in ASQA compliance. This audit reviewed critical aspects like training strategies, academic integrity, and student welfare, all essential to maintaining vocational education standards.

Transition from Vocational Education to Higher Education

Tailored RTO Registration Support

Darlo developed a roadmap to RTO registration, outlining key milestones and documentation requirements. However, to ensure that Institute B’s systems, previously aligned with ASQA’s vocational education guidelines, more work was required. Darlo provided hands-on support was essential to Institute B’s success. To better understand the process, It may be worth reading this article on TEQSA registration data in Australia.

Curriculum Design and Industry Engagement

To meet industry standards, Darlo assisted in designing a curriculum that met vocational education requirements. They facilitated industry connections. It also helped to ensure that the programs aligned with employer demands. Furthermore, that there was enhanced student employability.

Building a Student Services Framework

Darlo collaborated with Institute B to establish a robust student support system. This included career guidance, academic advising, and well-being services. This framework was designed to meet regulatory standards and enhance student satisfaction and retention—key aspects of effective vocational education.

Strategic Growth and Marketing

To aid Institute B’s expansion, Darlo provided strategic advice on student recruitment and marketing. Their recommendations included targeted marketing campaigns and partnerships with recruitment agencies to attract international students and strengthen Institute B’s position in vocational education. Many providers benefit from their managers taking professional development courses on higher education.

Ongoing Compliance and Quality Assurance

Darlo implemented quality assurance processes to ensure Institute B’s compliance with ASQA standards. This included regular audits, student feedback mechanisms, and staff training, which supported Institute B’s continued success in vocational education.  Among the many higher providers who have gained registration, there is empirical data that the industry has grown over the last decade. See TEQSA Registration Data.

Outcome: Successful Vocational Education Expansion

Institute B successfully secured RTO registration and launched its accredited programs as planned. Since then, the institute has experienced rapid growth, enrolling over 400 students within its first few years. Furthermore, was renowned for its high-quality training and comprehensive student support, Institute B has earned a strong reputation in the sector. Morevoer, the institute generates nearly $25 million annually, demonstrating its solid market position and dedication to producing career-ready graduates.

Key Success Factors in Vocational Education

• Expert Regulatory Guidance Darlo’s in-depth knowledge of ASQA requirements facilitated a smooth and successful registration process, which was essential for Institute B’s achievements in the sector.
• Industry-Aligned Curriculum The curriculum’s alignment with industry needs drew in students and boosted employability, establishing Institute B as a trusted provider in specialized training.
• Scalability and Sustainable Growth With Darlo’s support, Institute B developed a scalable framework that allowed for growth without compromising quality, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.
• Continuous Quality Assurance Darlo’s commitment to continuous improvement helped Institute B uphold high standards, providing a solid foundation for sustained success in their educational offerings.

A Vocational Education Success Story

Darlo Higher Education’s guidance and strategic support played a key role in Institute B’s growth in the Australian vocational education sector. With compliance assistance, curriculum development tailored to industry needs, and a focus on student outcomes, Institute B has become a prominent provider of vocational education, boasting a growing student base and strong financial performance. If you are interested, read other case studies on successful applications.