Vocational education and training (VET) teachers and trainers play an important part in our education system. They shape our future through educating and training people who are vital to our country's development. Professional development is a way to ensure VET teachers and trainers continue to be at the front of innovation and quality education.

In recognition of the importance of professional development, the Victorian Government, through Skills Victoria, funds the following initiatives.

TAFE Development Centre

The TAFE Development Centre was established by the Victorian Government in 2005. Its mission is to promote the development and professional standing of people working in VET. Core programs the Centre runs include:

• TAFE Industry Skills Scheme
• TAFE Teaching Fellowships
• TAFE Professional Learning Series
• TAFE Teaching & Learning Excellence Program
• TAFE Leadership Scheme
• TAFE Human Resources Initiatives Program
• Event Sponsorship and support to networks
• TAFE Coaching & Mentoring Scheme
• Engaging Trade Teachers
• TAFE Specialist Staff Scholarship
• Workforce Capability Innovation and Research Program
• Capability Building in the TAFE Teaching Workforce
• TAFE Career Development (website service)

For further information please see the TAFE Development Centre website. 

Staff Development Grant

This program allocates funds to TAFE institutions as part of their performance agreement with Skills Victoria for expenditure on professional development for staff in three development priority areas: building skills, initiatives to improve standards/status and strategic workforce management. This Grant is currently project managed by the TAFE Development Centre.

The ISS Institute

The Victorian Government, through Skills Victoria, is also a sponsor of The International Specialised Skills Institute (the ISS Institute).

The ISS Institute is a small independent, not-for-profit organisation which aims to develop Australia's vocational workforce to world class in areas that are not currently available through accredited university or TAFE courses. It does this by building partnerships between artisans, designers, trades and professional people nationally and internationally.

For further information please see the International Specialised Skills Institute website.