When Rhetoric Meets Reality. Issues Confronting the National Framework for the Recognition of Training. A Paper Prepared for the Review of the ANTA Agreement.

The National Framework for the Recognition of Training (NFROT) is one of the key structures underpinning training reform in Australia. NFROT's basic principles and fundamental purposes are supported by almost everyone involved with the framework, and there is strong evidence that NFROT has provided considerable benefits to providers and learners alike. Despite these benefits, NFROT's implementation has been plagued by several serious flaws, including the following: confusion regarding the extent to which a "national" system exists; inconsistencies of approach; difficulties of "product recognition"; bureaucratization without quality assurance; confusion about the most appropriate role for industry; and the system's inability to deal with a range of types of training. The following are the paramount issues facing NFROT: whether a national system or nationally consistent system is needed; whether all courses, training programs, and providers should be treated identically; and the extent of regulation required to ensure quality assurance. It is recommended that the system be reformed by exercising one of three options for structural reform (a single authority, model legislation, legislative consistency) and by focusing on providers, improvement, or consistent criteria. (Appended are NFROT's 31 principles and an annotated list of 8 related reports, decisions, etc. The paper contains 27 references.) (MN)