The federal government has commissioned an independent review of the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
The review will focus on how the Australian Government’s investment in VET could be more effective to provide Australians with the skills they need to be successful throughout their working life.
Steven Joyce, the former New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, and Minister of Finance, will lead the review.
Joyce will host a series of focused discussions with states and territories, and industry, employer, student and workforce groups.
He will deliver a report to the Australian Government in March of next year.
Under the terms of reference the review will look at VET funding and policy, and consider changing work patterns, the impact of new technologies and the needs of industry and employers.
Announcing the review, Prime Minister. Scott Morrison, said the review will ensure Australians have the right skills to get a job.
“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,” he said.
The Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash, said 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.
“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,” Cash said.
Public submissions to the Review are now open, and will close on Friday, January 25, 2019.