The full list of the objectives of the Institute is set out in the 'Memorandum and Articles of Association', copies of which are available upon request to the Secretary. The Institute is governed by a Council of Management which meets quarterly. An Executive Council acts as a standing committee to enact business of an urgent nature or delegated to it by the Council. The membership is assigned to branches which are self-managing bodies with their own executive, but accountable to the Council. Publications The Institute journal Design and Technology Education is published quarterly along with a Biannual Research Journal.
Branches also prepare newsletters for members.
It has held four international conferences. The Institute Medallion is presented to graduates of Teachers Education Institutions and to top HSC candidates. The Institute is formally affiliated with the Australian Council for Education through Technology, and the Standards Association of Australia. It is seeking affiliation with the World Council of Associations of Technology Educators. It is connected to the International Technology Education Association through ACET and has contact with a large number of industry and engineering professional associations such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Institute of Metals and Materials, Australasia.