- 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:
Industry engagement should see industry seeking students for work experience, with a view to taking them as future apprentices. At the moment, students are encouraged to seek their own work experience opportunities by ‘door knocking’ businesses. In many cases this becomes nothing more than experiential. By linking VET courses with relevant industries, it may be possible to create a situation in which businesses seek students, allowing the VET system to provide more meaningful opportunities for work experience, increasing the chances of long term career outcomes. It would also be good to see industry support students undertaking mandatory training, such as White Card training, allowing students to access a wider range of work experience opportunities. These relationships often sour if the relationship is not maintained, so it is important that the work placements are structured to suit the needs of industry and that they are getting the outcomes they desire, such as increased access to quality students from which to select their apprentices.
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:
As these arrangements have been made with a view to job outcomes, it has neglected the Creative Arts community, who are not necessarily driven by clearly defined job opportunities. As such, certificate courses which are currently experiencing strong enrolment numbers have been neglected. This includes courses such as Music (Electronic and Performance) and Dance. While these areas do not necessarily provide permanent employment, they do provide seasonal employment to complement the income of these individuals. The skills developed in such courses are beneficial in other employment; for example, they require individuals to be functional members in a band or dance troupe. These areas are important areas for South Australia, with events such as our Fringe and WOMAD driving tourism in the state. This has been given added importance with the loss of other tourism events such as the Clipsal 500. Without nurturing this sector through quality instruction, such as the certificate courses offered through VET, we are doing the Creative Arts a disservice. Our school offers both of these courses and has done successfully for a number of years. As such, these arrangements disadvantage the school in regard to what we have worked so hard to set up. I understand that it may not be in the best interest of students to offer this on a large scale, however the opportunity to offer this, via auditions, to the best 15-20 in the area would mean that we are still able to develop these skills in individuals and provide a service to this sector. We find that the best performing students in our courses often go on to complete higher level certificates in this area. These students, who display such passion for work in these fields, are likely to continue to seek to complete these courses, however under this model, will have to do so at an increased cost and external to the school system.
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:
No response provided.
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:
No response provided.
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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:
No response provided.