The Ever-Growing Learning Landscape: How VET is Evolving with AI, Tech and Industry 4.0.

Introduction

Velocities in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia have taken on new meaning through the advent of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), Industry 4.0, and the associated technologies, evolving the work where we send our greatest asset, our workforce! To remain relevant and effective, the VET sector is pursuing new technologies and approaches to training that match the evolving economy.

The current position of the Australian VET system on preparing students for an increasingly tech-based reality, the major changes we are seeing with these technologies, and how they will assist Australia in creating a competitive future workforce.

1. What is Industry 4.0, and how are the skills changing?

Industry 4.0 is the fourth revolution, characterised by the combination of digital, biological, and physical capabilities. Industry 4.0 includes digitisation and automation with technologies that help business and operations-intensive workloads and behaviours that we previously had to think about, such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, robotics, and big data!

In Australia, we have seen Industry 4.0 emerging in all major sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, horticulture, and logistics. As a result of these changes, we are seeing a rise in the demand for workers who are not only technical but also flexible, adaptable, digitally literate, and able to partner with intelligent systems.

2. VET Sector response to emerging technologies

There are various ways in which Australian VET providers are embracing the digital revolution, for instance:

• Curriculum Modernisation: Courses are being updated to be on the frontier of emerging tech, to include data analytics, cybersecurity, automation, and cloud computing.
• Industry Relationships: The institutions have developed strong relationships with leading tech organisations, enabling courses to reflect real-world applications and contemporary data.
• Micro-credentials & Short Courses: Many of the providers are also offering flexible learning options such as micro-credentials, which assist learners to quickly upskill in specialised technologies or tools.
• Updated digital tool identity: Providers are integrating digital tools using online simulations, virtual or augmented reality training, along with artificial intelligence assessments to provide enhanced learning experiences.

3. Key Technologies Transforming VET Education

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Several VET providers are embedding AI to promote personalised learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and streamline administrative processes.
• Virtual reality (VR) & augmented reality (AR): These tools are having a major impact on delivering hands-on experience to learners in areas of healthcare, construction, and automotive repair.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): The cost-effective and scalable aspects of LMS systems are also being enhanced with the improved functions of AI, to monitor student progress and tailor content to a specific student's needs.
• IoT and smart labs: VET institutions are investing in smart labs based around the Internet of Things (IoT) that are populated by sensors and devices that mimic real industrial environments.

4. Trainers and Educators in emerging technology, one-to-one delivery

Educators are leading this change in a number of ways. To provide technology-focused professional development, VET educators are doing the things below:

1. Participate in professional development related to digital capability.
2.  Use blended learning methods, using both face-to-face and online learning delivery.
3. Work with industry experts to keep up to date with emerging technology.

5. Government Support & Policy

The Australian Government recognises the critical role of VET in creating a future-focused workforce, and there are some government initiatives to support this agenda:

1. The Skills for the Future Program provides funding for technology-related training and training and retraining of workers.
2. National Skills Agreement, a partnership between federal and state governments to support and improve VET access and quality.
3. Digital Skills Framework to support VET general capability to embed digital across training packages.

6. The importance of work-based learning in a digital world

• Learners can practice VET and apply their new tech skills in real-world settings.
• Host employers can support student mentoring on digital tools and platforms. 
• Providers like SkilTrak are finding avenues to facilitate placements for learners who have a focus on both digital and soft skill development.

7. Challenges and Opportunities

While there have been some advancements made, there are some challenges that still exist:

• Digital Divide: Technology is not equitably shared among all learners, and not everyone is able to access tech.

• Trainer Readiness: Some educators require some support to teach tech-integrated courses.

• Technology Advancement: Courses require keeping up with constant technology advancement and change.

• But challenges are not the only thing to be highlighted. The transition to digital also gives VET providers the opportunity to:
• Connect with more learners through online and hybrid connections.
• Learners can also learn in small chunks and pieces with more personalised learning.
• The opportunity to develop industry partners and partnerships across education and learning, grant funding, to support industry and education collaboration.

SkilTrak: Supporting future skills using Work-Based Placements

As we know, some sectors are changing because of technology. SkilTrak is important, and SkilTrak is valuable in supporting meaningful placement opportunities in a range of industries, including healthcare, IT, community services, etc.

Through SkilTrak:

•  Students experience work placement opportunities using current digital tools.
•  Institution staff can track and report on learner progress better than before.
• Employers have the opportunity to positively influence the way future workforces are trained.

The learning journey passage from qualifications to industry, with an emphasis on future-ready capabilities, is unfiltered.

In conclusion

Australia's VET system and its learning landscape are always changing and have been impacted by AI, emerging technologies, and the reality of Industry 4.0. However, providing an opportunity for technology to be accepted and using those outcomes to provide learning deliveries, developing modern curricula, and working with industry to develop work-ready skills if the VET system does this, it will only make better future employment learning opportunities and jobs today, but also for tomorrow.