I would like to begin by thanking you on behalf of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) for your excellent work and ongoing commitment to the national training system during this transition year. Together we have had a very productive year and have delivered important new and updated training products.
At its 48th meeting on 12 October 2022, the AISC approved 22 training package projects and noted that other projects are on track to be successfully completed by the end of the year. This represents incredible effort and means we have together successfully laid the groundwork for a smooth and successful transition to new industry engagement arrangements from January 2023. Further details on the outcomes of the 12 October 2022 AISC meeting are available via the communiqué on the AISC website.
You may be aware the Australian Government announced their decision to transition the new training package assurance function to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations for a limited time, commencing on 1 January 2023. This interim arrangement will provide time to consider long-term arrangements for training package assurance. Further updates will be made to the department’s website and the Skills Reform website.
I also note the Australian, state and territory governments’ collaborative approach to address workforce challenges and skills shortages. This is reflected in successful negotiations where a 12-month National Skills Agreement for 2023 was finalised, ahead of a longer-term National Agreement.
Updates on the revised Standards for Registered Training Organisations and qualifications reform are included in this newsletter, along with details on how to provide feedback.
The AISC’s 49th and final meeting will be held on 29 November 2022. I look forward to seeing the remaining training package products that will be submitted for AISC consideration. My last newsletter as Chair of the AISC will be shared following that meeting.
Best regards
Tracey
Industry Clusters Grant Opportunity
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is close to finalising stage one of the Industry Clusters Grant Opportunity. Updates will be provided on the department’s website and Skills Reform website as soon they become available. It will include how to register your interest and engage with the relevant Industry Cluster(s) once they are established.
Consultation on the revised Standards for Registered Training Organisations
Consultation is underway on changes to the Standards for Registered Training Organisations. Revisions are based on feedback from across the sector, which identified areas for improvement to support high-quality training delivery. The revised Standards are designed to be clear and focus on outcomes to address quality issues and training gaps.
You can read about the proposed changes to the Standards and have your say on the Skills Reform website.
Qualifications reform
A key outcome from the Jobs and Skills Summit in early September was all levels of government agreeing to work together to reform VET qualifications and ensure they are relevant and responsive to learners’ and labour market needs. The Australian, state and territory governments have commenced consultations on qualifications reform. Feedback will further refine a proposed qualifications model.
For more information, visit the Skills Reform website.
This work builds on consultations in 2021, which sought views on qualification design concepts. These consultations have led to the development of a new proposed qualification and micro-credential model based on less prescriptive training products. These will support broader vocational outcomes, transferable skills and mobility between occupations and industries.
Jobs and Skills Australia
The Australian Government is establishing Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) as a statutory body to provide independent advice on current, emerging and future workforce, skills and training needs. While JSA will progress work begun by the National Skills Commission, it will have a broader remit focusing on workforce planning, and fostering partnerships with state and territory governments, unions, industry and education providers.
JSA will provide advice to the Australian Government and publish data and other information that includes current and emerging labour market, and skills and training needs and priorities.
To stay up to date on the progress, visit the Jobs and Skills Australia website.
National Industry Insights Report
The first batch of industry pages for 2022–23 are now live on the National Industry Insights Report website.
This website has been developed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). NCVER has used research and industry intelligence to update the information and data for key sectors to ensure it remains useful and relevant. These sectors are business services, community services, electrotechnology, financial services, health, information and communications technology, mining, drilling and civil infrastructure.
The next batch of industry updates are due at the end of November 2022.