Anonymous - 5 - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government

Related consultation: Submissions - Skills Reform: Improving industry engagement and reforming qualifications in Vocational Education and Training discussion paper
Submission received: 10 January 2021

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?

Response:

Industry engagement means the training package should reflect the current best industry practice and RTOs must always adapt to industry needs.

RTO graduates must quickly respond to industry needs when employed. There are still gaps that put discourage the industry from taking on VET graduates

VET bodies entrusted with training package development must always engage the industry for the best practice. I work for one of the reputable privately owned RTOs. I have never heard or seen one of us being consulted. It would seem there are already "the chosen few industries" that are consulted.

Are you aware of the current industry-leadership arrangements led by the Australian Industry and Skills Commission?

Response:

No

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?

Response:

No response provided.

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?

Response:

Apprentices must be on regular work placement and the industry should be willing to take these students in

Industries should be given an incentive for taking apprentices in and inspection mechanisms should be developed by RTOs to ensure quality graduates

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?

Response:

I do not think so. Training packages must always align with changes in technology. Technology has advanced fast in the recent past. RTOs do not seem to adjust to such rapid changes. 

I think the challenge is on adaptation to the rapidly changing technology. I think RTO owners must ensure that trainers  receive specialised training on regular basis

Are there any further issues in relation to improving industry engagement in the VET sector that you would like to provide feedback on?

Response:

Yes:
-  RTOs must be encouraged to send trainers on work placement on regular basis
- Company owners (industry) should be willing to donate some training aids and provide access to their workshops