Australia – We must overhaul vocational education and training the Chamber of Commerce and Industry says

Australia must overhaul its vocational education and training if people are to get the skills they need for the jobs of the future, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.

The Australian Chamber is today releasing a policy paper, “Focus on Skills: Building a Better National Vocational Education and Training System”, which argues for the Federal Government to take over responsibility for VET.

Kate Carnell AO, CEO of the Australian Chamber, said: “Our nation’s greatest asset is its people. It is vital people get the training and support they need so they are equipped to navigate a rapidly changing job market.

“A successful and efficient VET framework provides valuable skills and outcomes for students, employers and providers, improving our national economic performance.

“Under current arrangements, VET is not working properly. With funding and administration responsibilities split across federal, state and territory governments, there is too much inconsistency, inefficiency and duplication.

“This means the so-called national VET system is actually eight different structures, with competing agendas and priorities, making it extremely difficult for employers and individuals to traverse the system.

“This is particularly problematic where cross-jurisdictional training is needed. Vast discrepancies in funding between states leads to an inherent inequity in the system for users.

“A national VET system is the best way to achieve lasting results for users and employers.”

Jenny Lambert, the Australian Chamber’s Director of Employment, Education and Training, said: “Over the past five years there has been a dramatic fall in apprentice numbers: there are 200,000 fewer apprentices in training now than in 2012. This is largely because of significant state and federal policy changes.

“We need to make conditions more attractive for employers to take on apprentices.

“It is important that industry continues to take a leading role in VET and services are delivered by a mix of public and private providers. Well-regulated competition means greater choice, value and better services for users.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at  Federal takeover of VET needed to skill-up our future workforce – Australian Chamber“