Industry invited to help shape landmark skills reforms

The Morrison Government is calling on industry and businesses to take a seat at the table as part of its fundamental overhaul of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system.

The Morrison Government is investing $292.5 million in new Industry Clusters —building on the record $6.4 billion investment made by the Morrison Government in skills and training this financial year. The reform will give industry a stronger, broader and more strategic role in ensuring the nation’s VET system can address skills and workforce challenges.

Interested organisations are encouraged to develop their applications for the grants now which will close on 31 March 2022.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said broader skills reforms will play a key role in the Morrison Government’s economic recovery plan.

‘As our economy roars back we need a skills and training system that is well-positioned to meet our evolving workforce needs into the future,’ Minister Robert said.

‘That’s why we’re investing in new Industry Clusters that will strengthen employer leadership and engagement in the VET sector.

‘This will ensure courses and qualifications in the sector are driven by, and better meet, the needs of industry, as well as students.

‘I encourage all industry leaders with an interest in the future of our VET sector to work with your aligned industry sectors to develop an application.’

The new Industry Clusters model—as groups of aligned industries—will replace the 67 Industry Reference Committees and six Skills Service Organisations and are expected to be fully operational by 1 January 2023. The reforms will ensure courses and qualifications in the sector are driven by and better meet the needs of industry, as well as students.

More details can be found at: https://www.dese.gov.au/skills-reform/skills-reform-overview/industry-engagement-reforms