The Department has published summaries of what we heard during national co-design consultations on three key Skills Package initiatives – the National Skills Commission, National Careers Institute and Skills Organisations.
From October to December last year more than 800 people were involved in the consultations which included workshops in 13 locations across Australia, interviews, online submissions and employer roundtables. Employers, employment providers, career practitioners, peak bodies, unions, state and territory governments and education and training providers gave valuable insights into what our future workforce needs to succeed.
Overall, stakeholders were supportive of the Skills Package and the opportunity it provides to improve Australia’s skills and careers sectors.
Summaries of the findings from the consultations are available in the links below.
The work the Skills Package is delivering will be vital to Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. It will help ensure our skills and careers sectors are able to support and train a highly skilled, resilient and adaptable workforce.
National Skills Commissioner Bill
On 14 May 2020 the National Skills Commissioner Bill 2020 was introduced to the House of Representatives – a key milestone in establishing the NSC.
The Bill would make the role of National Skills Commissioner a statutory office holder, who will provide oversight and a forward vision to the Australian Governments work on labour market research and analysis, VET pricing and performance, skills forecasting and preparing for Australia’s future ways of working.
Improving Careers Information
The activities of the National Careers Institute will play a role supporting Australian’s navigate the economic recovery by giving individuals and businesses the information they need to make informed decisions about education and employment options. It will do this by:
- Facilitating improved access to quality career information by launching Release 1 of its Digital Platform in 2020.
- Strengthening partnerships between key VET and careers sector organisations through a Partnership Grants Program.
- Raising the profile of online learning opportunities and resources for small businesses with the National Careers Ambassador.
- Promoting VET pathway information and the importance of career development.
- Celebrating VET excellence and showcasing VET as a key contributor to Australia’s economic recovery through the Australian Training Awards.
More information
- The National Skills Commission (NSC) will drive long-term improvements across the skills system by bringing together existing data and developing new capability in the labour market, skills analysis, and improved data and advice on VET pricing and outcomes. Read the NSC consultation summary document.
- Skills Organisations (SOs) will play an important role helping industry deliver qualification development that is responsive to industry needs. The Human Services Care Skills Organisation pilot has recently led the development of a new, entry into care roles skill set to reinforce Australia’s Aged Care and Disability Support workforce. Read the SO consultation summary document.
- The National Careers Institute (NCI) was established to ensure Australians have access to high quality career information and support irrespective of their age and stage. Read the NCI consultation summary document.
- Read more information on the National Skills Commissioner Bill 2020.
- Read more information on the Partnership Grants Program.
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