From silos to seamlessness: Toward a cross-sectoral funding model for postcompulsory education and training

Abstract

Student demand for seamless education and lifelong learning is leading to increased levels of cross-sectoral provision by publicly funded education and training institutions. However the sectoral divisions that characterise Australia's education funding frameworks make it difficult for institutions to provide cross-sectoral courses and inhibit the development of 'student-centred' learning programs. Where cross-sectoral programs are implemented, the sector-based funding arrangements lead to anomalies and inequities for both institutions and students. This paper argues that public funding for postcompulsory education and training should be distributed according to principles that are consistently applied, regardless of the sector in which studies are undertaken.