VET News

The Future of Work Partnership Seeks to Upskill Australia's Workforce

Applications have now opened up for the Australian Government's Future of Work Partnership with BHP!

BHP President Minerals Australia Edgar Basto said the company was investing $30 million in the Future of Work Program through its Social Investment program.

“BHP is proud to be supporting a business-led recovery through our ongoing operations and significant investments in regional Australia,” Mr Basto said. “The advanced apprenticeships and short courses offered by the Future of Work Program will help develop the workforce of the future.  Australians will be able to re-skill, embrace technology and find new jobs in many sectors, not just mining.  We are proud to play our part in helping Australian communities on the road to recovery.”

Up to 1,000 people living in regional areas have the opportunity to study a short course from this year, or start an Advanced Apprenticeship later this year, with their student contribution covered through the partnership programs.

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the partnership was part of the Government’s focus on giving Australians, particularly in regional Australia, the opportunity to boost their skills and improve their employability.

“The initiative builds on the Government’s Job Ready Graduates package that will create an additional 100,000 university places by 2030, 50,000 new short course places and provides more incentives for regional students." Minister Tudge said.  “The partnership will also support growth in regional areas by improving access to education, upskilling locals and creating pathways to employment.”

As well as having their student contribution fee covered by BHP, students who meet the eligibility criteria may also be eiligible for other financial support.

Early data from universities also shows that over 26,000 more Australians are set to study at universities this year, to get them the skills they need to get into a job.

Data provided by 25 Australian universities shows a five per cent increase in total enrolments compared to the same period last year. Enrolments of new students are up almost 11,000 or seven per cent.

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the biggest increases in new enrolments have been in courses made cheaper under the Morrison Government’s Job-ready Graduates package.

“The Job-ready Graduates package is all about encouraging Australians to study the courses where we know they are most likely to get a job,” Minister Tudge said. “This year more first year students are enrolling in science, agriculture, IT, education and engineering – areas where the jobs of the future will be."

Higher education opportunities through the Future of Work Partnership will be offered to people in areas of regional New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

For more information, including how to apply, visit https://regionalfutureofwork.com/.

Ministers Media Centre Releases:

• Upskilling Australia's regional workforce
• BHP partners with Australian Government on Future of Work program
• Job-ready Graduates package sees more Aussies enrolling in key courses

Date posted Apr 1, 2021