Vocational Education & Training Reform
In 2014 the Federal Government made a commitment to ensuring industry has the skilled workforce and operating environment it needs to boost the nation’s productivity and increase international competitiveness.
New arrangements for training product development were announced in April 2015. The new model drives occupational outcomes and places industry at the centre of training product development to prioritise the development and review of training packages based on industry demand for skills, now and into the future, as well as technological and regulatory changes.
The new arrangements came into effect on 1 January 2016. The new structure incorporates three key bodies:
Australian Industry & Skills Committee (AISC)
The Federal Government established a governing body, the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), to provide VET policy advice to commonwealth, state and territory governments, bringing a strong industry-based perspective which will enhance responsiveness, quality and relevance within the sector.
Committee members are industry leaders who have been nominated by ministers and include an annually rotating representative from either of the following organisations: Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Council of Australia or Australian Industry Group.
Mr Ian Hill is the Western Australian AISC member and Ms Megan Lilly is the rotating member from the Australian Industry Group.
In addition, two senior government officials will provide support to the Committee, one of whom is Western Australia's Mr Simon Walker, Executive Director - Policy Planning and Innovation, Department of Training and Workforce Development.
Skills Service Organisations (SSOs)
Skills Service Organisations (SSOs) provide a range of independent, professional enabling activities to support IRCs in the review and development of training packages. The SSO's covering the Food, Fibre & Timber Industries are:
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Animal Care & Management;
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Conservation & Land Management;
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Forest & Forest Product;
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Food & Beverage;
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Horticulture;
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Rural Production; and
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Seafood
Innovation & Business Skills Australia (IBSA):
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Furnishing
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Textiles, Clothing, Footwear & Allied Services
Industry Reference Committees (IRCs)
Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) play a critical role in identifying and responding to new and emerging skills and training needs.
Overseen by the AISC, each IRC will represent clusters of industries and will be central to the review and development of training products, including training packages.
They will provide the AISC with industry intelligence to ensure training packages are responsive to the needs of industry and deliver high quality occupational outcomes.
For more information on these changes visit the Department of Education's or AISC website. Alternatively contact us and we'll assist with any questions you may have.