- 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:
I believe that the role of Industry needs to be strengthened in VET , but you will always find that the same people put up their hand to engage. Industry use the VET system, but one major issue is they find it hard to attract young people to work as an apprentice. For the reason Industry don't sometimes have the need as they have in the past.
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:
The federal government rightly or wrongly made major changes to the arrangements for the development and maintenance of Training Package material. In the case of manufacturing, changing from from a manufacturing based Industry Skills Council to Business and Innovation Skills Service Skills Organisation. Manufacturing Skills Australia at least provided Industry specific Project Officers to engage with as many Stakeholders where possible and the Deputy CEO listened to our needs. So it was top down. I am not that impressed with the IRC arrangement for Furnishing and I think by the disbandment and replacing with a newer group supports my comment. Its possible but when the grass roots of the organisation has little understanding of manufacturing you are always going have issues, MSA had a CEO who had engineering background with automotive engineering, RTO developments and interaction with the REPCO Training Centre. Even before COVID the Manufacturing SSO held webinars rather than face to face communications. In Victoria we previously had the Skills Commissioner representing the State on the AISC. This provided continuity with the transfer of information gather from and provided by the Industry Advisory Groups. This info would be shared with Federal Government and now reduced State Government.
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:
VET Training within specific industries allows for training that provides basic knowledge and skills which caters for skills that can be applied across different jobs. In furnishings, there are skills that can be learnt and used to work in Furniture Making, Cabinet Making, Wood Machining. In some cases you can't because you are dealing with somewhat of a Cottage Industry and Industries that are very much a Skill required task based need. In some cases dealing with equipment that cost upwards of $100,000 to $250,000. it's not that just anyone can be let loose on this type of machinery. I believe that the Victorian Skills Commissioner is already trying to do this through the Manufacturing IAG. Victorian Workplace Innovation Training Funded projects also provided a snapshot of some initiatives that are transferable.
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:
I think that qualifications have potential to provide needs now and heading into the future. I think MSA had greater scope and funding support to do a better job. They made it their business to deliver implementation workshops and provide necessary support where needed. I guess the times are a changing. The RTO needs to be more flexible in delivering a suitable product. RTO Management are running a business and then an education. Teacher are hell bent on meeting the compliance requirements as directed by the RTO. In some cases they enjoyment in teaching and training has diminished or disappeared.
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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:
Have State Government / industry funded ITAB's that are then answerable to the Skills Commissioner's Industry Advisory Groups. Have industry centred and RTO representatives on the ISC / SSO (IRC). Trainin working together.