The Queensland government has encouraged stakeholders to share their ideas on how vocational education and training (VET) can remain responsive and ensure workers have the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
The feedback has been sought in response to the “Skills for Queensland” discussion paper, released on Tuesday.
The state Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Shannon Fentiman, said the government also wants to hear from business, industry and employers, as well as students and families about ways to encourage more people to make VET their pathway into employment.
“VET plays a vital role in delivering the training and skills needed by Queensland industry and employers to fill those priority jobs across a wide range of occupations and trades,” Minister Fentiman said.
Last month, Queensland government announced free TAFE courses for year 12 graduate Queensland students from next year. The $30 million program provides 160 TAFE courses free of charge to students who enroll within a year after completing their year 12 study.
“Vocational Education and Training delivers real results for Queenslanders and has a proven track record with 85 per cent of graduates getting a job or going onto further study.
The Minister noted that the state government’s investment in training needs to consider fast growing industries and the occupations likely to develop in the future.
“The jobs of tomorrow will require more workers with the technical skills to keep up with the rapid changes in technology and automation.
“We need to ensure the VET system is anticipating these changes and growing in areas that are of greatest need to industry, workplaces and regions right across the state,” she said.
The Skills for Queensland discussion paper is open for feedback until Friday, 19 October 2018. Have your say by visiting www.qld.gov.au/skillsforqueensland.