National Skills Standards Council (NSSC)
Historical Organisation (2011-2014)
Operational Period: July 2011 – April 2014
Dissolved: April 2014 by the COAG Industry and Skills Council (CISC)
Functions Transferred To: Industry representatives and selected senior officials through CISC
What Was the NSSC?
The National Skills Standards Council was a committee established in July 2011 to provide independent advice to the Australian Government on national skills standards and qualifications in vocational education and training. It operated as a committee of the Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE), which reported to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
Role and Responsibilities (2011-2014)
Primary Functions
- Training Package Approval: Approved training packages for endorsement by Ministers
- Standards Development: Developed national standards for regulation of vocational education and training
- Quality Assurance: Ensured training packages met industry needs and maintained quality
- Advice to Government: Provided expert advice on VET quality and standards
- System Improvement: Supported continuous improvement in the VET sector
- Regulatory Standards: Developed standards for regulation of RTOs and training delivery
Key Achievements
Standards for Training Packages
Endorsed new Standards for Training Packages in November 2012, replacing the Training Package Development Handbook
VET Reform
Published position papers on improving VET, including "Improving vocational education and training: the case for a new system"
Quality Framework
Contributed to development of standards ensuring quality of qualifications and integrity of the VET sector
Evolution Timeline
Pre-2011: National Quality Council (NQC)
Previous body responsible for VET quality standards
July 2011 – April 2014: NSSC
National Skills Standards Council operational period
April 2014 – 2016: COAG Industry and Skills Council (CISC)
NSSC dissolved and functions transferred to CISC as part of streamlining governance
2016 – 2022: AISC / IRC / SSO System
Australian Industry and Skills Committee with Industry Reference Committees and Skills Service Organisations
2023 – Present: Jobs and Skills Councils
10 industry-owned and led Jobs and Skills Councils established, working with Jobs and Skills Australia
Why Was NSSC Dissolved?
The NSSC was dissolved in April 2014 as part of efforts to streamline the governance arrangements of the national training system. The decision was made by the COAG Industry and Skills Council (CISC) to:
- Reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency in VET system governance
- Delegate functions directly to industry representatives
- Create more direct industry involvement in skills standards
- Simplify decision-making processes for training package approvals
Current Arrangements
Jobs and Skills Australia
Provides workforce analysis, labour market intelligence, and strategic advice
Jobs and Skills Councils
10 industry-led organisations responsible for training product development and workforce planning
Training Package Assurance
Independent function ensuring training products meet national standards (established 2023)