Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) understand the skills needs of their sector, industry or occupation. They advise the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and ensure training products meet the needs of employers, employees, training providers, and people seeking training qualifications.
The AISC is calling for nominations from industry stakeholders for the following IRC:
Sustainability IRC
One industry expert position.
This IRC is responsible for the MSS Sustainability Training Package. The qualifications and units of competency available under this training package can be viewed here.
The industry expert position on the Sustainability IRC is open to a specialist in sustainable operations/environmental practices in the manufacturing sector to provide their expertise on the review or development of sustainability-related training products. Such a person will have skills and experience in either sustainable operations or environmental monitoring and management in a manufacturing environment. They would bring a depth of understanding to the committee and provide advice around job roles and workforce skilling requirements related to sustainable operations or environmental monitoring and management.
IRCs are supported by a Skills Service Organisation (SSO) to develop and review training products. The Sustainability and PMRVL IRCs are supported by Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA) which has been involved in the development of national VET qualifications since 2004.
The AISC seeks to ensure that the membership of these IRCs provides industry coverage and expertise to support training product development for their industries. The AISC is looking for individuals with extensive experience in and knowledge of their industry sector, with the capacity to proactively apply these attributes to the work of the IRC.
The AISC website has more information on IRCs and SSOs. The IRC Operating Framework outlines best practice governance principles and processes to assist in the day-to-day operation of IRCs.
Assessment Criteria
When considering nominations, the AISC is interested in the nominee’s:
- comprehensive knowledge of their industry and relevant industry experience (where relevant)
- level of influence across the sector and strategic approach to broad industry-wide issues
- capacity to consider current and future directions for their industry and to relate those factors to skills and workforce development
- capability to provide input directly to training package development, to seek input from established industry networks, and to represent a variety interests and skills needs across the industry
- ability to undertake duties in good faith, acting in the public interest and best interests of the industry sector.
As there may be numerous individuals with an interest in an IRC vacancy, the AISC needs to ensure the most suitable nominee is selected. In determining the final membership of IRCs, the AISC will consider both the individual characteristics of nominees (as set out in their nomination) as well as the composition of the IRC as a whole. This aims to support a balance of geographic coverage, age and gender that is appropriate to the relevant industry or sector, as well as to provide an effective mix of leadership and operational expertise.
While it may not be possible to include every nominee on the IRC, SSOs and IRCs consult widely during the training package development process and are supported by Technical Advisory Committee members who are consulted on technical and related industry information.
The process for appointing an IRC expert position is outlined below.