Media release
The Liberal National Government has commissioned an independent review of the vocational education and training (VET) sector to ensure Australians have the right skills to succeed in a changing labour market, and businesses have access to the skills they need to grow the business.
“The Review will ensure Australians have the right skills to get a job,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
More than 1.1 million jobs have been created since our Government was elected and in 2017-18, more than 100,000 young Australians got a job – the strongest growth in youth jobs in our recorded economic history. I want even more Australians to get jobs, and that means ensuring they have the right skills to drive an even stronger economy. Getting our investments in skills education and training right is a core prerequisite for driving economic and jobs growth in the future. I want to make sure we are getting these investments right, both now and in the future, supporting Australians throughout their working lives.
“It will also mean businesses, including small and family businesses and businesses in rural and regional areas, will be able to access the skills they need to grow their business.”
Steven Joyce, the former New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, and Minister of Finance, will lead the Review. Mr Joyce was the architect of significant reforms to the apprenticeship and industry training system in New Zealand, and one of the most senior ministers in John Key’s government.
Mr Joyce will engage with stakeholders all across the country and across sectors, and report to the Government in March.
We look forward to hearing how we can ensure Australian industry is future-proofed with a new generation of skilled workers.
“The review will focus on the skills people need when they leave school, but also later in life when they might be looking to improve their skills, change industries or build on general literacy and numeracy,” said the Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash.
“The VET sector is central to growing Australian businesses and building our economy. By examining ways to strengthen the VET sector, we can ensure our workforce and our economy is ready for the opportunities of the decades ahead.
“It will ensure our workforce can easily adapt to changing employer demands. This includes meeting the demand for higher level skills, building digital capability, and building skills in rural and regional Australia.”
We’re serious about creating a better future for Australians and that means giving everyone the best chance to make a success of the career they choose.
This country benefits most when all Australians achieve their full potential and make a contribution. Having the right people with the right skills is key to achieving this and key to growing business and creating jobs for Australians.
Item 6 in terms of reference says
‘It may review whether additional support is needed for vulnerable cohorts, including those currently unemployed and at risk of unemployment, or those with low literacy and numeracy skills.’
The Review will include a series of focused discussions with states and territories, and industry, employer, student and workforce groups. The Review may seek information from any persons or bodies that it considers relevant.
The Review will accept submissions from interested parties, with a deadline of 25 January 2019.