Top 11 Professional Development Needs for VET/TVET Practitioners in 2025

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectors are undergoing significant transformation. From digital disruption to workforce shortages, emerging industries, and evolving learner needs, practitioners must continuously upskill to remain relevant.

Top 11 Professional Development Priorities for VET/TVET Practitioners

  1. Industry and Technical Skills Updates

The rapid pace of industry change means trainers must stay current with sector-specific advancements. Emerging fields such as renewable energy, AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing are reshaping job markets and demand technical upskilling.

  1. Digital Literacy and Technology Integration

The post-pandemic shift to hybrid and online learning has made digital literacy essential. VET practitioners need skills in AI-driven assessments, learning management systems (LMS), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) to enhance training delivery.

  1. Competency-Based Education & Assessment Strategies

Competency-based training (CBT/CBE) remains at the core of VET, yet many struggle with developing effective assessments that align with industry and regulatory standards. Trainers need guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), performance-based assessments, and digital credentialing.

  1. Inclusive Education and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion)

VET/TVET must be accessible and inclusive. Practitioners require professional development in:

  • Supporting neurodivergent learners, students with disabilities, and marginalised groups
  • Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and trauma-informed education practices
  1. Work-Based Learning and Industry Collaboration

Bridging the gap between education and employment is crucial. VET/TVET professionals need strategies for:

  • Strengthening industry partnerships for internships and apprenticeships
  • Embedding work-based learning models into training delivery
  1. Micro-Credentials, Badging, and Short Courses

The demand for flexible, stackable qualifications is growing. VET/TVET practitioners need upskilling in:

  • Micro-credential development and assessment
  • Understanding regulatory requirements and funding models
  1. Compliance, Regulation & Quality Assurance

VET/TVET practitioners must stay informed about regulatory changes from bodies like ASQA and TEQSA, and other countries compliance systems where relevant. Key areas for PD include:

  • Risk-based audit preparation
  • Embedding quality assurance in learning design and assessment
  • Addressing the use of AI in teaching, learning and assessment
  1. Soft Skills Development for Trainers

Beyond technical expertise, coaching, mentoring, leadership, and engagement skills are essential. Trainers need to refine their ability to:

  • Facilitate engaging sessions and manage diverse learner needs
  • Use storytelling and case studies to improve learning retention
  1. Mental Health & Wellbeing for Practitioners & Learners

The mental health crisis affects both trainers and students. VET/TVET PD should cover:

  • Burnout prevention and stress management for educators
  • Supporting learner mental health and resilience
  1. Entrepreneurship & Future Workforce Trends

Many learners aim to start their own businesses. Trainers must understand:

  • Entrepreneurial pathways, gig economy careers, and digital nomadism
  • Future workforce trends like green jobs and circular economies, as well as the impact of AI on the workforce
  1. Funding & Business Sustainability for RTOs & TVET Institutions

With increasing financial pressures, RTOs and training providers need PD in:

  • Accessing government grants, industry sponsorships, and alternative revenue models
  • Sustainable business practices for private and public VET institutions covering income diversification

If you’d like to discuss how to address these needs for yourself, your colleagues and team, organisation, association members and/or network please feel free to reach out and get in touch with Wendy Perry, MD at Workforce BluePrint.

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