VET Circle Update – June 2025
If you are not sure, Accredited Permaculture Training (APT) is permaculture education accessed through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification – just like your plumber, sparky, horticulturist, hairdresser, motor mechanic. These qualifications are identified as Certificate I through to Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
In the early 2000’s APT was kicked off, and APT was provided by and available through several RTOs across the country, some were private RTOs and some were TAFEs (Technical And Further Education organisations), operated by the public sector.
Over the last decade and a half, hundreds at least (perhaps more) Permies undertook this training, mostly completing Certificate III and Certificate IV. In late 2024 a new team was established, a VET Circle, within Permaculture Australia to progress the extraordinary work done before to invigorate this pathway for permaculture education. Importantly, not to conflict with other learning streams, such as PDCs, but to coexist and with an intent of complimenting other education streams. Providing choice for our permie community.
After a lot of discussions, discovery of what courses were where and in what state, understanding any new guidelines that might exist for the delivery of APT, connecting with our Jobs and Skills Council – Skills Insight (responsible for all agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, etc and of course Permaculture, in VET), we have an aspiration and a plan.
Our aspiration is to initially focus on Schools; the delivery of permaculture education within the school curriculum for years 9 through 12, commencing in 2026, in every state and territory. We know some schools in Victoria and WA are already delivering Certificate II for years 9-12. Our discovery, like any design forensics, is expected to be a little wanting and
there may well be others we have yet to find and connect with – let us know if you or someone you know should be connected with.
Our plan that is underway is to refresh the Certificate II training material, to bring a refreshed approach to structure and content, and shift it to a more appropriate project-based learning approach rather than paper-based knowledge tests – more suited to learning permaculture.
There are several things that must happen to give us the capability to start delivering in 2026, including engagement with schools, engagement with RTOs, establishing a list of any member with an interest and competency in teaching Certificate II in schools, and last but by no means least, is the uplift of the training material.
The VET Circle has established a team that will work on the revised training materials. We want to hear from anyone that can contribute to this team and its endeavour. Be that simply insight, through to hands on writing. The team is being led by Lindra Woodrow, who most of you will know or know of, and is a veteran of VET, not just in permaculture but also other
disciplines.
The door is open, and we welcome any inputs you feel you can contribute. And of course, if you know folks who might not be members of PA, but have a skill and an interest, reach out and encourage them to contact us. If you are an accredited teacher and/or have a valid TAE, and have an interest in teaching in this space, let us know so we can add you to the
growing team of interested/available teachers.
And of course, if you want to get your school onboard in 2026, or know of a school that should be contacted, get in touch.
Please contact us at vet@permacultureaustralia.org.au
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