Martin, Grace - RHM Building Innovations - 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: 24 February 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:

Collaboration between industry & the VET system allows for all stakeholders to be engaged in decisions that impact on both Industry & the VET System to provide better outcomes for all.

Industry includes all interested parties & not just the 'traditional Industry leaders'.  Invitations should be extended to the coalface within industry & especially small business that employ so many workers in Australia.  The current system is not working & provides for a lack of synergy between qualifications actually required on the job & those offered through the current system.  The ability to have a recognised career path for workers moving forward in some currently neglected industries is a must.

There is a huge need to fill the gaps in industry for skilled workers.  Training needs to be provided in conjunction with the needs of business now & moving into the future.

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:

As a business owner I am currently in a position of not being able to find skilled or qualified workers as there is a gap in the current training system.

Consultation between all stakeholders is a must!

I have a small construction business (Steel buildings) and there is currently no synergy between QBCC licensing requirements in QLD for this industry & any training that is available anywhere in Australia for this trade.  

In my frustration to fix this I have contacted organisations for assistance to push for a change for my industry [CONTENT REDACTED].  All of these Authorities have brushed off my request for action & past the buck to the next department. 

There is currently no valid training/qualifications for Steel only builders

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:

Standard jobs/qualifications in traditional roles seem to be well covered.

As Steel has become increasing popular as a building material with house/building internal frames they have slotted this skillset into Carpentry which may suit those wanting a career as a builder open class, med or low rise.  But where does the Steel builder fit that just wants to build cold form steel structures?  What training can they do?  Sheds of any size, patios, commercial walkways & the like.  How do you become qualified?  How do you offer apprenticeships as a builder in this industry?

Consultation is required.

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

Response:

In my industry there needs to be a synergy between available training & appropriate qualifications required for licensing.

Im sure that there are many industries that also deal with similar issues as my company but until the whole system is reviewed & all stakeholders are invited to participate in the consultation process things will not change.