The Australian Government is casting a wide net in its search for a new chief for the vocational education and training regulator.

Assistant minister for vocational education and skills, Karen Andrews, says the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s new chief will “be a significant step in reforming the sector and rebuilding confidence”.

The new chief commissioner of the ASQA will “help restore full confidence in all vocational education and training delivered by Australian registered training organisations”, she told Fairfax this week.

The VET sector’s reputation has been cut to ribbons after a series of scandals involving dodgy offers, providers, courses and qualifications, but Ms Andrews said she still sees a lot of possibility.

“Vocational education and training has not always measured up to community expectations. While there are outstanding registered training providers working hard to successfully skill Australians for real jobs, others have clearly let down students, industry and the sector's overall reputation,” Ms Andrews said.

Chris Robinson, the current chief commissioner, will leave the role at the end of the year.

Mr Robinson has been lauded for leading ASQA through its first five years of operation, overseeing the implementation of new national standards and regulating more than 4000 registered training organisations.