A 12-month research project evaluated the effects that competency-based approaches have had on the role of instructors in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia. Specifically, the project investigated the levels of understanding of competency based-training (CBT) by instructors in the VET sector in a variety of settings across a range of locations and described the way in which instructors have adapted their practice to accommodate CBT and how new practices have evolved. A range of techniques, including a nationwide survey, six case studies, and two focus groups, were used to gather data. Findings indicated the level of understanding of CBT was consistent across the VET sector, although there were differences in the way in which technical and further education (TAFE) and non-TAFE providers worked in such a training environment. Some differences were dependent on the instructor's field of study and the extent to which CBT was considered appropriate to that field. As a result, two models for staff development in the VET sector were developed to take into account the diverse nature of providers and individuals within the sector. The models considered the provider and institutional contexts and needs of individuals attempting to engage in innovations introduced by government in the VET sector. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YLB)