Further strengthening Australia’s VET system

 

Commonwealth, state, and territory skills ministers met in Sydney today to discuss vocational education and training (VET).

 

Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Senator the Hon Scott Ryan chaired today’s meeting of skills ministers, as part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Industry Skills Council. Senator Ryan also provided an update on Commonwealth plans for reform of the VET FEE-HELP scheme.

 

Senator Ryan said the discussions today covered four priority areas for ongoing improvement in VET – industry responsiveness, funding, data, and quality.

 

“All of the work underway in VET is about providing better training opportunities and outcomes that lead to better jobs. It is crucial that the interests and needs of students are at the centre of all of our decisions in this area,” Minister Ryan said.

 

Skills Ministers also discussed ways to improve the operation of the state and national funding systems for VET.

 

“Better information sharing about problems and poor behaviour will support faster action by jurisdictions and better quality training. It will also improve critical protections for students and taxpayers,” Minister Ryan said.

 

“Accessibility and eligibility of training providers and employers across jurisdictions was also discussed in today’s meeting with the view of potential further alignment to allow greater opportunities and choice for students. When governments have a better understanding of how each of our systems work, this will break down information barriers and encourage greater interest and investment in VET.

 

“I will continue to pursue the Government’s reform agenda in VET to deliver a sector that is focused on training and job outcomes, and that is responsive to the needs of a changing economy. This includes the redesign of the VET FEE-HELP system that will to better serve the needs of all Australians and protect students and taxpayers against unscrupulous training provider practices.”

 

The Communique for today’s COAG Industry and Skills Council Meeting – Skills Ministers is available at https://docs.education.gov.au/node/40326

 

(ENDS)