Key participants in vocational education and training (VET) came together at a skills symposium as part of the NSW VET Review, which aims to identify ways to better support students and workers. The attendees included peak bodies, government agencies, unions, providers, and industry members.
Steve Whan, Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, said the symposium and VET Review have led to important conversations that will result in industry-led changes to bolster capability and resilience in the skills sector.
“There is not an aspect of our day-to-day lives that isn’t supported by VET. By rebuilding the sector, we are also transforming communities and upskilling the next generation of tradies, healthcare professionals, and agriculture workers,” said Whan.
Supported by the NSW Department of Education, the review is a comprehensive examination of the sector in New South Wales and seeks to ensure that all students across the state have access to high-quality training that meets their requirements, and the needs of employers now and into the future.
The review is led by Chair Dr Michele Bruniges. Former NSW Education Minister Verity Firth, who is now Pro-Vice Chancellor Social Justice and Inclusion at the University of Technology Sydney, and Jason Ardler, Chair of the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Evaluation Committee and a director of the NAISDA Indigenous performing arts college, are also part of the leadership team.
According to Bruniges, the Skills Symposium represented a committed whole-of-industry effort to fortify the VET industry and build a pipeline of skilled workers. “A resilient VET system is underpinned by productive and robust engagement across industry, government, and education providers, added Bruniges.
The symposium was a one-day event designed to provide stakeholders with insights into the VET Review, providing a forum for additional student, industry, and provider voices. It marked the end of the review’s second phase.
A final report is due to be delivered mid-2024.