VET News

Strengthening the Voice of Industry through Vocational Education and Training

The Minister for Skills and Training recently addressed the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employment, Education and Training Committee about VET strengthening the voice of industry:

The Minister for Skills and Training recently addressed the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employment, Education and Training Committee, where he discussed several key points. 

He mentioned that the government has been making significant progress in reforming vocational education and training (VET) following the Jobs and Skills Summit.

 One of the key highlights is the National Skills Agreement, a 5-year landmark agreement with states and territories aimed at investing in and transforming the VET sector. The Albanese Government plans to invest $12.6 billion to expand VET access, support quality education, and address critical skills needs.

The Minister also highlighted the introduction of a National Stewardship model, which will coordinate strategic investments in skills, with a focus on national priorities such as clean energy, Net Zero transformation, sovereign capability, and digital and technological capability. 

A modern and responsive TAFE network will play a central role in the VET sector, and the National Skills Agreement will establish nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence to support higher apprenticeships.

Collaboration between government and industry is emphasized as essential, with the goal of aligning qualifications with current and future skills demands. Strengthening the industry's role in VET is seen as a way to increase workforce productivity, promote VET as a viable option for students, and ensure that the right skills are accessible at the right time. 

Qualification reform is also a key aspect of the vision, with a Qualification Reform Design Group established to provide advice on the reform process for VET qualifications.

The Minister also mentioned efforts to improve the take-up and completion of apprenticeships and traineeships and a focus on foundation skills, supported by a $140 million investment in the National Skills Agreement. 

He also acknowledged the importance of collaboration and engagement in making the VET sector work for everyone and urged continued support for this vital national priority.

Read the full Ministers' Media Centre Release here.

Date posted Oct 26, 2023