Pathways15: Strengthening and promoting opportunities in VET: Australian Government perspective

Katerina Lawler, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Regulation Branch, VET Quality and Policy Division

This presentation will discuss the programs, policies and future opportunities within the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment to support people with a disability in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. Areas of focus will include the Disability Standards for Education Review and the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

The presentation will also provide insights into the uptake of the e-learning resources that have been created by the National Disability Coordination Officer Program (NDCO), and the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET).

Importantly, the presentation will provide information on upcoming opportunities as part of the Quality Reforms under the Heads of Agreement for Skills Reform to build upon and inform how resources are developed to support people with disability to engage with the VET sector.

Bio

Katerina Lawler, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Regulation Branch, VET Quality and Policy Division
Ms Katerina Lawler is currently Assistant Secretary of the VET Policy and Regulation Branch in the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The Branch is responsible for VET strategic policy, VET student and regulatory policy and development and implementation of quality reforms.

Ms Lawler has worked in higher education policy and program roles for fifteen years, and has worked on a range of major policy initiatives including higher education policy and funding reviews and reforms.

Ms Lawler previously held positions in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and in the arts portfolio. Ms Lawler worked for five years in the housing portfolios in the ACT, New South Wales and Australian Governments.

Ms Lawler holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the Flinders University of South Australia.