In November 2019, the state Government commissioned a significant review into Victoria’s post-secondary education and training system to ensure Victoria has the skills needed for our growing economy.

On 3 February 2021, the report of Future Skills for Victoria – Driving collaboration and innovation in post-secondary education and training was released. This is the final report of the Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy review.

The review was Chaired by Ms Jenny Macklin, an Australian social policy expert and former senior Federal Minister with 23 years of experience as a Member in the House of Representatives of the Australian Parliament.

The review was undertaken through deep engagement with the education sector. This included over 300 stakeholders from Victorian TAFEs, universities, private providers, industry, students, community organisations, advocacy groups and post-secondary policy experts provided critical input, helping shape the review’s findings and recommendations.

Report and findings

The report makes 30 recommendations for improving our training and skills system so it can deliver the skills Victoria needs now and into the future. Areas for reform include:

• Establish a strong institutional base for a more collaborative skills system that can deliver the training requirements Victoria needs
• Build and share an evidence and data base that can support improved planning and decision making
• Begin development of an annual Victorian Skills Plan that sets out Victoria’s skills needs for the year ahead and beyond
• Encourage specialised labs with a focus on emerging industries, commencing with the Clean Economy, Care Economy and Digital Economy
• Strengthen on-the-ground support available to local learners and businesses
• Develop and share excellent curriculum and improve professional learning for VET practitioners.

The Victorian Government will draw on the review in considering future reforms to the vocational education and training system. This will be crucial to ensuring post-secondary education and training can meet future demand, as early analysis, following the COVID-19 pandemic, expects unemployment to peak at 11% and is likely to stay high until 2025.

AFS work with a number of TAFEs and schools with Vocational Education and Training offerings. We will continue to stay abreast of any recommendations implemented by the Victorian Government so that we can continue to communicate how this will impact you.

If you have any questions regarding the report, or would like assistance in managing the challenges faced within the education & training, please contact Jess Ritchie, education specialist on 03 5443 0344 or email afs@afsbendigo.com.au