Anonymous - 8

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

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:

Engagement with relevant industry employers and businesses of all sizes with representation from each state including regional and remote locations. Engagement should also include additional industry stakeholders including, state-based industry associations, state governments, group training organisations, principal employers, Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, registered training organisations including secondary schools delivering relevant VET qualifications. 
Engaging the broader industry in the development and review of training packages.  Currently the process of development and reviews is undertaken by the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Industry Reference Committee that does not include representation from Queensland.  As at November 2020, more than 198,000 people were employed within the Queensland Tourism, Travel and Hospitality industry.  For industry to be involved and engaged with the VET sector they need to be included and represented in the development and review processes of the qualifications that are meant to be used to skill their workforce.  Each region across Australia has their unique opportunities and challenges that need to be considered in the development and review of training products including Queensland that has 13 tourism regions each having unique workforce challenges and barriers.    Four products are currently under development by SkillsIQ with limited or no industry representation from Queensland.   
•	Events Training Package Product Development – Project Governance – excludes representation from Queensland on both the IRC and TAC.  
•	Travel Training Package Product Development – Project Governance – TAC includes representation from one Queensland business out of thirteen representatives.  No Queensland representation on the IRC. 
•	Responsible Service of Alcohol: Draft 2 Validation – includes Queensland representation from two businesses out of eleven representatives including a Registered Training Organisation that cancelled their registration with ASQA in February 2019.  No Queensland representation on the IRC. 
•	Cookery Training Package Products: Draft 1 Consultation - No Queensland representation on the IRC and a TAC has not been formed.

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

Response:

Yes

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:

Reviewing processes around the IRC and TAC development to include equal and suitable qualified representation across each state.  
Engaging the broader industry in the development and review of training packages.  Currently the process of development and reviews is undertaken by the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Industry Reference Committee that does not include representation from Queensland.  As of November 2020, more than 198,000 people were employed within the Queensland Tourism, Travel and Hospitality industry.  For industry to be involved and engaged with the VET sector they need to be included and represented in the development and review processes of the qualifications that are meant to be used to skill their workforce.  Each region across Australia has their unique opportunities and challenges that need to be considered in the development and review of training products including Queensland that has 13 tourism regions each having unique workforce challenges and barriers.  Four products are currently under development by SkillsIQ with limited or no industry representation from Queensland.   
•	Events Training Package Product Development – Project Governance – excludes representation from Queensland on both the IRC and TAC.  
•	Travel Training Package Product Development – Project Governance – TAC includes representation from one Queensland business out of thirteen representatives.  No Queensland representation on the IRC. 
•	Responsible Service of Alcohol: Draft 2 Validation – includes Queensland representation from two businesses out of eleven representatives including a Registered Training Organisation that cancelled their registration with ASQA in February 2019.  No Queensland representation on the IRC. 
•	Cookery Training Package Products: Draft 1 Consultation - No Queensland representation on the IRC and a TAC has not been formed.  As mentioned above a review of the processes that cover the IRC and TAC development to include equal and suitable qualified representation across each state.  The processes should be transparent and available to all stakeholders.

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:

Including the broader industry and employers in the development and review of the training products to ensure that they meet the needs of their workforce now and in the future.  

Employers are happy to train their staff and invest in the workforce, however the training system needs to support their business needs.  It should not be an arduous task for an employer to seek suitable training products that meet their business needs. 

Provide valuable opportunities for collaboration within and also outside states borders and across relevant industry groups.

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:

The needs of industry are constantly evolving, and the pandemic heightened the need for responsive training product development and review.  QTIC recently conducted a workforce survey with our members and the broader Queensland tourism, travel and hospitality industry receiving 351 responses.  Feedback from industry highlighted the need for established businesses and existing workers, to access training for specific requirements rather than full qualifications.  Specific skills that were outlined included, high level communication and social media skills, identifying, and using emerging technology, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality within the workplace.  

QTIC recently conducted a workforce survey with our members and the broader Queensland tourism, travel and hospitality industry receiving 351 responses.  Industry feedback outlined that 87% of respondents agreed that their staff would benefit from training programs.  Respondents were asked what type of programs would most benefit their business and staff.  58% selected short non-accredited programs, 81% selected short-accredited programs, and only 39% selected full qualifications.

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

Response:

Feedback we have received and support states that training packages should clearly outline the suitability of qualifications for VETiS delivery.