Welcome to the latest update from the Skills Organisations, an initiative of the Australian Government to strengthen the role of industry in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. Since our last update the Skills Organisation Pilots have been focused on engaging with stakeholders, finalising their project plans and commencing new projects to demonstrate a more effective industry leadership model in VET.
General Update
Skills Organisation Pilots meet Skills Ministers
On Friday 5 February 2021, leaders from the three Skills Organisation Pilots met with Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash along with state and territory skills ministers. The ministers heard directly from the Skills Organisation Pilots about their vision for skills and training and the work they have been doing to test new ways to make the VET system more responsive to the needs of employers.
The meeting presented an opportunity for the Pilots to share with ministers the progress they have made across a range of initiatives including the Mining Skills Organisation Pilot (MSOP) project hubs focusing on apprenticeships, digital transformation, attraction and retention, and qualification reform trials; the Digital Skills Organisation (DSO) project to rapidly train data analysts; and the Entry into Care Roles skill set led by the Human Services Skills Organisation (HSSO) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Qualification Design Trials
Under the direction of the Skills National Cabinet Reform Committee, Skills Organisation Pilots have begun work on qualification design trials to help strengthen the training system and support Australia’s economic recovery. The evidence-led trials aim to achieve qualifications that recognise common skills, deliver broader vocational outcomes, and promote individual mobility and labour market resilience.
For more information about the qualification design trials and the qualification reforms being addressed as part of the national skills reform agenda, visit the qualification design trials page.
Workforce of the Future events series
The fifth Workforce of the Future live stream event was held in February featuring three of Australia’s leading business minds in a wide-ranging discussion around what employers need to access an adaptable, well-trained and job ready workforce. Speakers included:
- Alex Badenoch, Group Executive Telstra (Transformation, Communications and People) and member of the Digital Skills Organisation Board
- Vicki Nichols, Business Partner in Rio Tinto's Iron Ore Learning and Development
- Liz Cohen, Chief Executive from disability provider Cara and member of the Human Services Skills Organisation Board.
These live streamed events give audience members the chance hear directly from and ask questions of the Skills Organisation Pilots about initiatives they are leading to strengthen the role of industry in the VET system to ensure Australia has a highly skilled, resilient and adaptable workforce.
Visit the Workforce of the Future website to view upcoming and previous events or email skillsorganisations@dese.gov.au to subscribe to the event mailing list.
Skills Organisation Pilot Updates
Mining Skills Organisation Pilot
The Mining Skills Organisation Pilot (MSOP) has commenced a qualification design trial to help simplify and streamline qualifications to provide the mining sector with the skills it needs to address existing and future workforce challenges. Announced by Minister Cash in January this year, the trial will develop and test a new, streamlined course to train mobile diesel plant mechanics incorporating new and critical skills that cross traditional mining occupations.
For more information about the trial or other project initiatives of the Mining Skills Organisation Pilot visit the Minerals Council of Australia website.
Human Services Skills Organisation Pilot
The Human Services Skills Organisation (HSSO) Pilot has launched its new website. The website provides a home for HSSO to connect with stakeholders, share their purpose and mission, and provide updates about projects and latest news.
The HSSO understands that employers and industry need to be at the heart of the VET system. It is committed to deepening industry engagement, giving industry a stronger voice and a bigger role in strengthening the national VET system to become a more responsive and flexible system.
The HSSO is planning discrete projects that give human service employers the chance to lead strategic thinking on a wide range of workforce and skilling issues including the effectiveness of current training products and how they are delivered and the development of career pathways. Check out the HSSO website to find out more about these projects.
If you would like to connect with HSSO and stay up to date with news and events, subscribe to the HSSO mailing list via their website Contact page.
Digital Skills Organisation Pilot
The Digital Skills Organisation’s (DSO) first pilot project, to train and employ 100 data analysts, has successfully launched. The three training providers, General Assembly, Goanna Education, and TAFE Queensland are utilising a diverse range of approaches to rapidly train data analysts to meet employers’ needs. Most of the courses are now fully subscribed, and a large proportion of participants have commenced training.
The DSO is currently developing a Communities of Practice model which will help facilitate engagement with employers, industry peak bodies, training providers, governments and other key stakeholders. These Communities of Practice will play a critical role in connecting key stakeholder groups to identify potential opportunities and co-design future activities. To find out more, including how you can be involved, visit the DSO website.
VET Reform
National Skills Reform: Have your say
The Australian, state and territory governments are continuing to seek feedback on the national Skills Reform agenda, which aims to ensure Australia has a highly skilled workforce now and into the future. The reforms will help to strengthen the training system and support Australia’s future economic prosperity as well as the more immediate economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reforms will help to deliver better qualifications, support registered training organisations (RTOs) to deliver high-quality training, and build a stronger role for industry and employers in Australia’s VET sector.
Consultations are underway so it’s important to have your say. There are a range of ways you can contribute right now at the Skills Reform website.