ITEC23 Conference description

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is a membership-based peak body bringing together independent providers in the higher education, vocational education, and training sectors. Individually and collectively these providers share a commitment to providing students and their employers with the quality outcomes they are looking for.

The ITECA Higher Education Network brings together more than half of the independent providers in the higher education sector.

The ITECA Vocational Education and Training Network provides the membership vehicle for independent providers that deliver training to around two-thirds of all students undertaking vocational education and training in Australia.

Through the ITECA College of Vocational Education Professionals, individuals also have the opportunity to affiliate themselves with ITECA and the collective commitment to excellence.

ITECA is a strong advocate for the independent tertiary education sector with proven track record of achieving legislative reform. ITECA’s members identify the changes to funding and compliance models that ensure quality outcomes can be delivered while at the same time freeing providers from an unnecessary regulatory burden. ITECA’s policy team in Canberra takes an evidence-based approach to policy advocacy to press the case for reform with their established contacts in parliament and in government departments. ITECA is recognized as the go-to source for parliamentary and departmental stakeholders looking for timely policy advice.

Australia’s independent tertiary education system has a strong track record of providing the educational outcomes and skills required by Australia’s changing economy. The ITECA State of The Sector Report published each year pulls together data from a range of government and non-government sources to showcase the success of the independent tertiary education system.

ITECA members come together under a number of sector interest groups (e.g. construction, healthcare, manufacturing and tourism) in order to build awareness and share information about the issues facing the industry sectors in which they educate, train, and reskill the workforce.

Founded in 1992, ITECA was known as the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET). The transition from ACPET to ITECA reflects the commitment of providers from across the sector to create one single organization that represents the independent higher education, vocational education, and training sectors.