The VET threat

THE local dance studio is an institution in Australia, responsible for the foundation training of many professional dancers and a place of fond memories for many others. Private dance studios dot the suburbs right around Australia. However, according to some studio owners, they are facing a very real threat from high schools and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offering Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.

VET package qualifications in dance were first introduced in Australia in 2011. These national dance qualifications were designed to lift standards across the profession and to set clear benchmarks promoting consistency while maintaining the flexibility to meet individual needs and vocational outcomes.

A significant number of RTOs and high schools throughout Australia are now offering VET dance programs, such as a Certificate II or Certificate III in Dance, as part of their curriculum.