A new national centre to boost skills and employment outcomes for First Nations peoples is now operational.
The Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) is now officially operational nationally, marking a significant step forward in strengthening skills and training outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
Funded under the National Skills Agreement, the ICOVE operates as a national, evidence-informed vocational education and training (VET) hub. It has been established to promote high-quality, culturally responsive training that supports strong pathways to employment for First Nations learners. The ICOVE will operate around 4 interconnected pillars: Policy and Advocacy, Capacity Building, Innovation, and Research and Data.
Implementation is tracking positively, with the focus now shifting from establishment to delivery. Over the coming months, the ICOVE will begin operationalising activities across each of the 4 pillars.
- Through the Policy and Advocacy pillar, the ICOVE will provide a national focal point for First Nations VET policy, practice and advocacy, including supporting shared decision-making through the First Nations VET Policy Partnership.
- The Capacity Building pillar will focus on strengthening the capability and sustainability of the First Nations Registered Training Organisation sector and supporting culturally safe training environments.
- The Innovation pillar will identify, test and scale First Nations-led approaches to training and learner success.
- The Research and Data pillar will build the evidence base needed to inform future reform and ensure First Nations perspectives shape policy and investment decisions.
The ICOVE is hosted by Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd in partnership with Tranby Cooperative Ltd. Together, they oversee the ICOVE as a First Nations-led initiative grounded in community governance and cultural authority.
Driving better pathways to employment
A key focus for the ICOVE is strengthening connections between training and real job opportunities. The ICOVE is working closely with industry sectors to align skills development with workforce demand.
By partnering with employers, training providers and community organisations, the ICOVE creates clearer, more accessible pathways into employment. This includes support for culturally safe training environments and improving completions and employment outcomes for First Nations learners.
First Nations leadership at the ICOVE
A defining feature of the ICOVE is its commitment to First Nations leadership and community voice. Its governance model ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded across all aspects of its work.
The ICOVE reflects the diversity of First Nations communities and is designed to engage meaningfully with stakeholders nationwide. Cultural governance structures and accountability to community are central to how the ICOVE operates.
This approach supports the broader aims of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, particularly in strengthening community-controlled sectors, enabling shared decision making and improving outcomes through culturally informed services.
Looking ahead
With operations now underway, the ICOVE is expected to contribute to ongoing improvement across the VET system to better meet the needs of First Nations learners and communities.
Through strong partnerships, community-led governance and a focus on practical outcomes, the centre is positioned to drive lasting change, building a more inclusive and responsive training system that delivers real opportunities and jobs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Learn more about the ICOVE and its progress on the DEWR website.