- Related consultation
- Submission received
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Does the role of industry need to be strengthened or expanded across the VET system? Why/why not?
- What does industry engagement mean to you?
- How can industry be encouraged to connect with and use the VET system? What does this look like?
- Are there any roles for industry in the VET system that are not covered or outlined in the case for change?
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Response:
Far too much red tape. Yes I agree with industry engagement however this has always been the case. The issue with liaising with local industry including clients is that most are not interested in responding. They are busy doing their work. Small RTO’s do not have the staffing capabilities to deal with increasing red tape to increase engagement other than when preparing to add units to scope and to allow input. It would ideal for the Federal or State governments to support critical "local" small private providers with funding to improve staffing capabilities. We believe TAFE colleges receive funding so why not small RTO providers?
Are you aware of the current industry-leadership arrangements led by the Australian Industry and Skills Commission?
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Response:
Yes
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How effective are the current industry engagement arrangements in VET in meeting your needs?
- What works well and what could be improved? How could it be improved?
- How well are you (or your organisation) represented by these arrangements?
- How well do current arrangements allow collaboration across industry sectors on common workforce and skills needs?
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Response:
Too much government red tape however we do agree with consulting local industry however many that we have contacted are simply not interested. It’s ok to sit in a government office and pour out ever increasing work- loads onto small private providers however this harms business. We simply battle to comply due to ever increasing workloads from government. If TAFE colleges and other large organisations access government funding then small private providers who are RTO’s and who also must be compliant to the standards, should have access to funding each year. If this occurs then employment opportunities will increase, levels of staffing will increase and local RTO’s will be empowered to complete the work required. We need assistance too and it’s about time government understood this.
What can be done to drive greater collaboration across industries to broaden career pathways for VET graduates and maximise the workforce available to employers?
- How can workers be equipped with skills that can be applied across different jobs?
- How can industry support this through the VET system?
- How can we break down silos and improve collaboration across industry groups?
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Response:
Workers who access local training organisations (Suburban providers) generally seek single units of competency as a reaction to the demands of mining or construction. In many cases they may already hold a higher level qualification (Tradies) but require additional training. Small private providers can assist very quickly offering units such as Safe work at heights, confined space entry and provide first aid. So while these are single or combined units they are important. We are already aware that industry send sub-contractors to local suburban RTO’s when they need additional skis sets. A number of RTO’s have found a major issue with contacting industry as many are no interested in losing valuable work time due to commitments. RTO’s and industry require another workable solution such as the provision of “public sector industry engagement agencies” who act on behalf of RTO’s in gaining engagement outcomes.
Are qualifications fit-for-purpose in meeting the needs of industry and learners now and into the future? Why/why not?
- Are the different needs of industry and learners effectively considered in designing qualifications in the current system? What works well and why?
- Are there issues or challenges with the way qualifications are currently designed? What are they and what could be done to address these?
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Response:
In many cases yes current qualifications are fit for purpose for example; trade qualifications are still required in building, construction and aged care. In terms of modernising career opportunities or looking at future trends then yes, there is a requirement to consider the future needs of learners as a response to new required skills and experience. I.e. automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. We see this as industry and RTO specific and should not become a blanket policy.
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Are there any further issues in relation to improving industry engagement in the VET sector that you would like to provide feedback on?
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Response:
As indicated, increasing work-loads placed onto smaller providers by government red tape does not assist with improved outcomes but hinders. Small local RTO's in the suburbs are important to Leaners and local industry as they are easily accessed saving time, offer free parking and often offer reasonable rates. Local RTO’s need to be supported not hindered by government more than ever, given the potential for increasing unemployment levels across Australia and the changing world of work. We believe that smaller private RTO’s (less than 20 staff) should have access to government allocated funding and this must become an objective of Federal & State governments. This will assist at the local level by lowering unemployment levels and allowing easy access to skills and qualifications that will support learners and local industry.