The 2021 National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) ‘No Frills’ conference asks presenters to consider how VET’s past might inform its future and to reflect on the lessons and achievements that have the potential to inform progress. This paper reflects on some key developments in VET’s past and how those developments have shaped the sector’s approach to enduring issues such as VET’s purpose, national harmonisation and quality.

The spotlight on VET post-COVID-19 offers an opportunity to consider how the sector might shape its own future, based on learnings from the past.