In Australia’s tertiary education landscape, an implicit power hierarchy has long placed universities above TAFEs. Vocational Education and Training (VET) is often framed as a precursor or “lower"- alternative to university, reflected, for instance, in the Australian Qualifications Framework’s pyramid from Certificate I at Level 1 to Doctoral Degree at Level 10. Using a Foucauldian lens on power and knowledge, this presentation interrogates how that hierarchy shapes perceptions of value and status. In reality, the impact of skills on the economy, society, and individual wellbeing is not neatly correlated to qualification level. VET graduates frequently achieve superior employment outcomes compared to university graduates, underscoring that practical skills can outperform academic credentials in driving prosperity. The recent Universities Accord recognizes this misalignment, calling for “tertiary harmonisation” to better connect the higher education and VET sectors - with the need for harmonisation implying current discord. A more integrated system – one that improves credit recognition, rethinks qualifications, and puts both sectors on an equal footing – can empower students to assemble powerful combinations of skills, knowledge and experience tailored to industry and community needs. This presentation explores whether we should fundamentally redesign qualifications and pathways beyond historical silos of “TAFE versus uni.” It advocates viewing the AQF not as a ladder of status but as a multidimensional matrix of capabilities. Finally, it focuses on Central Queensland University (CQU) – Queensland’s only dual-sector university – as a pioneer for change. As both a university and a TAFE, CQU is uniquely positioned to blend vocational and higher learning. We consider how CQU can lead in crafting harmonised programs that break down traditional power imbalances and graduate students with truly powerful skillsets to drive innovation, industry success and individual wellbeing.