A report into Australia’s training-for-jobs system has found that significant improvements need to be made if it is to provide the workplace skills needed by Australia in the years ahead.
The independent report, Strengthening Skills: Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System, was produced by former New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Steven Joyce and makes 71 recommendations for improvement.
Mr Joyce said the review proposed a new vision for vocational education in Australia as a modern, applied and fast-paced alternative to classroom-based learning.
“This review argues that there needs to be a significant upgrade to the architecture of the vocational education and training (VET) sector so it can successfully deliver the skills needed for Australia’s future,” Mr Joyce said.
“It recommends a six-point plan for change and a roadmap for achieving it,” he said.
“The plan seeks to deliver a stronger skills sector which is a positive choice for many more Australians, whether they are starting their working lives or need new skills to advance their career.”
He said the plan included strengthening quality assurance; speeding up qualification development; simpler funding and skills matching; better careers information; clearer secondary school pathways; and greater access for disadvantaged people.
“The plan requires strong intergovernmental cooperation with the States and Territories, and would need to be delivered over a number of years, Mr Joyce said.
“There are several first steps that can be taken quickly by the Australian Government that will make an immediate positive impact for employers and students using the VET sector.”
He said these included bringing forward implementation of reforms to strengthen the Australian Skills Quality Authority; extending work-based VET further into less traditional areas; and establishing a new National Skills Commission to develop a nationally-consistent funding model based on a shared understanding of skill needs.
In response to the review, the Government has allocated $525 million to implementing the Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package, which aims to ensure the VET sector delivers the skills critical to the economy now and into the future.
Mr Joyce’s 163-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
