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Continuing education and training is an emerging priority for the nation's tertiary education and training system. Changing work and work requirements, an ageing workforce and longer working lives are some of the factors now shaping this priority. Yet, currently, most of the objectives and structures of Australia’s tertiary education system are focused on entry-level provision—preparing people for their occupational roles. However, this kind of provision may not always be compatible with the continuing education and training requirements that ensure the successful functioning of the twenty-first century workplace. It is important therefore to identify the elements—the objectives, structures and processes, and the types of provision—that constitute an effective national continuing education and training system.