The Australian government, employer groups, and the trade union movement acknowledge a critical need to improve work force skills. Focus is on the notion of competencies and measurable learning outcomes. The driving force has been the linking of industry restructuring with occupational classification restructuring (award restructuring). The Australian government, working with employer groups and the trade union movement, has established the National Training Board, which facilitates the progressive introduction of a competency-based approach to vocational training linked to award restructuring. Three other forces are as follows: the Finn Report, which emphasizes that the main purpose of education is economic; closer links with industry and schools that provide articulation of courses so that Australians can follow a path of relevant learning according to their chosen career; and a revised understanding of credentials, with established criteria and recognition of prior learning or current competencies. Postsecondary institutions are not having an easy transition, but many newer universities are developing very comprehensive programs articulating on-the-job experience and in-house training programs with advanced credit into formal courses. Disruptions occur, since the three areas of change at the national level--industry and award restructuring, development of competencies, and a competency-based education thrust--do not move at the same rate. (Appendixes include addresses of seven sources of information in Australia and newspaper articles.) (YLB)