Services we provide

Post-compulsory education and training services contribute to:

• improving access for all Tasmanians to post-compulsory education and training;
• increasing participation of Tasmanians in education and training after the years of compulsory schooling;
• increasing community participation in the planning and provision of post-compulsory education and training;
• developing a community culture that values and supports learning throughout life;
• increasing focus by education and training providers on learners and their needs, and creating an education and training system that is easy to use; and
• developing a well-educated, highly skilled and adaptable workforce that displays high levels of initiative and entrepreneurship.

Education for students in Years 11 and 12 is provided through eight senior secondary colleges, as well as a number of high schools and combined schools that provide access to various Year 11 and 12 education and training options.

The Office of Post-Compulsory Education and Training (OPCET):

• supports the Tasmanian Learning and Skills Authority in its role of providing advice to the Minister about the policy, planning and provision of post-Year 10 education and training services;
• provides policy advice for post-compulsory education and training;
• develops strategies for the growth and development of post-compulsory education and training in Tasmania;
• provides regulatory and administrative services to support Tasmania’s apprenticeship and traineeship system;
• purchases vocational education and training (VET) services from the Institute of TAFE Tasmania, a public Registered Training Organisation (which is a statutory authority that reports separately) and other Registered Training Organisations offering VET in Tasmania;
• supports high schools and colleges in the implementation of vocational learning programs;
• provides curriculum review for Years 11 and 12;
• provides operational support for resourcing and accountability of senior secondary colleges;
• develops training initiatives to support and assist business and industry, particularly small business;
• determines training responses to support industry development;
• provides improved opportunities for Tasmanians to participate in post-compulsory education and training in meaningful ways through the implementation of Tasmania: A State of Learning;
• provides pathway planning and transition support to students in government high schools, combined schools and colleges;
• liaises with the higher education sector;
• delivers programs through Adult Education;
• provides management and direction for VET equity and Aboriginal policy and programs; and
• provides policy advice and support in relation to young people through the Office of Youth Affairs.

The Tasmanian Qualifications Authority (TQA), established by legislation in November 2003, provides syllabuses, assessment, accreditation and certification for senior secondary students, and registration and accreditation services for providers and courses in VET and higher education. As a statutory authority, the TQA reports separately.