A major review of vocational education and training (VET) in New South Wales (NSW) has been announced, with former top education official Dr Michele Bruniges leading the panel. The NSW VET review will examine the current state of VET in the state, identify areas for improvement, and develop recommendations for the government.
The NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Tim Crakanthorp, emphasised that the review goes beyond previous assessments and will address the impact of funding cuts over the past decade. Its goal is to develop robust recommendations that will guide the government in revitalising the VET sector and establishing a clear path forward for TAFE.
Joining Dr Bruniges on the expert panel is Professor Verity Firth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Social Justice and Inclusion at UTS and former NSW Minister for Education and Training. Jason Ardler, an experienced executive in the NSW public sector and a member of the Yuin community, will also be a part of the panel. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will contribute to a comprehensive examination of the VET sector.
How Will the NSW VET Review Help the State
The NSW VET review will focus on four key areas:
- Rebuilding and strengthening TAFE NSW: The review will examine how TAFE can be better equipped to meet the needs of students and employers in the 21st century.
- Addressing NSW’s current and future skills needs: The review will identify the skills that will be in demand in NSW in the years to come and make recommendations for how VET can be used to meet those needs.
- Examining the challenges disadvantaged individuals face: The review will explore how VET can be made more accessible to disadvantaged individuals, including those from rural and remote areas.
- Restoring confidence in high-quality VET system: The review will make recommendations for how VET can be made more responsive to the needs of students and employers.
How Will the NSW VET Review Be Carried Out?
The review will be conducted in three phases:
- Phase 1: The review team will assess the current landscape of VET in NSW, including the skills needs of the state.
- Phase 2: The review team will engage with stakeholders, including students, employers, and industry bodies.
- Phase 3: The review team will develop recommendations for the government. The team will develop recommendations for the government.
The NSW VET Review presents an opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute to revitalising the VET system. Regular updates and progress on the review, including details of the Skills Summit, will be shared on the review’s website and through various stakeholder channels. The aim is to build a more robust and inclusive VET system that effectively addresses the skills needs of NSW.
