14 JUNE 2023 UPDATE
During his speech at the ITEC23 Conference, Professor Peter Dawkins, Interim Director of Jobs and Skills Australia, delivered an exciting announcement. As part of the ongoing vocational education and training (VET) reform efforts, he unveiled the 10 Jobs & Skills Councils (JSCs).
The Jobs & Skills Councils will serve as inclusive platforms, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to address the pressing workforce challenges and skills needs across various industry sectors in Australia. This tripartite leadership approach will bring employers and unions collaborating with the governments and the training sectors.
Here’s the list of the new jobs & skills councils, including the industries they cover:
- Skills Insight for Agribusiness by Skills Impact
- WorkforceEQuipped for Arts, Personal Services Retail, Tourism and Hospitality by the Australian Retailers Association
- Energy, Renewables, and Emerging Technology for Energy, Gas and Renewables by Master Electricians Australia
- A new institution for Finance, Technology and Business by the Digital Skills Organisation
- Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance for Manufacturing by Innovation and Business Skills Australia
- Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) for Mining and Automotive
- Industry Skills Australia for Transport and Logistics by the Australian Industry Standards
- A new institution for Public Safety and Government by the Public Safety Industry Committee
- HumanAbility for Early Educators, Health and Human Services by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association
- A new institution for Building, Construction and Property by Build Skills Australia
Learn more about the jobs and skills councils by visiting Industry Engagement Reforms.
Enhancing VET Through Jobs & Skills Councils Reform
The government has allocated a significant investment of $402 million over the next four years to establish the jobs & skills councils, replacing the current 67 Industry Reference Committees and six Skills Service Organisations (SSOs). These councils aim to improve vocational education and training (VET) by playing a crucial role in developing training products and fostering collaborations between industries and training providers.
07 FEBRUARY 2023 UPDATE
The Role of Jobs & Skills Councils in VET Reform
The Australian government is taking action to tackle the skills crisis by setting up Jobs & Skills Councils (JSCs). With this vocational education and training (VET) reform, the councils will play a big part in ensuring the country’s VET sector provides better results for students and employers.
The Jobs & Skills Councils will identify the skills and workforce needs of their industries, create career paths, develop VET training, and encourage collaboration between industry and training providers. They’ll also be a source of information on industry-related issues.
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the governing body in charge of the JSCs, will use evidence to identify trends and plan for the future of education and training. By working with state and territory governments, employers, universities, unions, and the VET sector, JSA will offer high-quality advice to the government on skills, workforce needs, and the labour market.
Under the VET reform, 10 new jobs & skills councils will be established aiming to shape the future of job training and help equip the workforce with the necessary skills.
What Does the VET Reform Mean for RTOs
For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), establishing jobs & skills councils and their role in driving reforms to the VET sector means better collaboration and cooperation with industry.
RTOs will have the opportunity to work closely with the councils and align their training and assessment practices with the evolving needs of the industry. RTOs can have valuable insight and guidance on the skills and qualifications that are in demand. This can also help them tailor their offerings and remain relevant in the marketplace.
Plus, by acting as an information source on industry issues, the jobs & skills councils can give RTOs a better understanding of the challenges and help them adapt to changing market conditions.
In short, the establishment of Jobs & Skills Councils and their role in driving reforms to the VET sector can lead to a more collaborative and dynamic relationship between RTOs and industry, allowing RTOs to better meet the needs of learners and employers and remain competitive in the market.
