Service & Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) has secured approval and funding to start an overhaul of national tourism, travel and guiding education standards, ensuring entry-level industry training reflects current and emerging needs.
The SaCSA tourism training update will include key qualifications, including Certificate III in Travel, Certificate III in Tourism and Certificate III in Guiding.
SaCSA will lead training product development and qualification reviews in response to industry feedback and changes across the sector and within the national Training Package Organising Framework (TPOF).
SaCSA CEO Natalie Turmine said this update is a critical step to ensure qualifications are fit for purpose and keep up with the industry, adapting to digital technology, evolving traveller expectations, new business models and workforce shortages.
“Tourism, travel and guiding roles have changed dramatically, but the core qualifications that introduce people to these careers have not evolved at the same pace,” she said.
“Industry has been clear that some Certificate III training products no longer fully reflect current workplace practice or the fundamental skills employers require.
“This review is about strengthening these entry-level qualifications so they are relevant, flexible and fit for purpose for employers and learners.”
ATIA alignment and endorsement
Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long said this project reflects a shared commitment to ensuring foundational qualifications align with industry practice, complementing other initiatives, such as ATIA’s involvement with The Travel Gap.
“Through its role on SaCSA’s Strategic Workforce Advisory Group, ATIA has been driving the case for a full review of travel qualifications,” he said.
“Members have been clear that the current Certificate III in Travel doesn’t fully reflect the skills and capabilities needed in today’s travel industry. This is the moment to lift the standard and ensure graduates are genuinely job-ready.
“ATIA will continue playing a hands-on role in shaping the outcome so the updated qualifications reflect real industry practice and deliver the skills employers need.”
SaCSA will engage with employers, peak bodies, industry representatives, unions, registered training organisations and other stakeholders to inform the review and ensure the updated qualifications are fit for purpose and industry-endorsed.
Find out more at sacsa.org.au/tourism
KARRYON UNPACKS: The SaCSA tourism training update goes beyond curriculum tweaks. It’s about building a future-ready workforce, giving employers confidence in entry-level talent and strengthening the long-term resilience of Australia’s travel sector.
