Consultation on Future Skills Strategy

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath has called for public input on a draft strategy designed to ensure Queensland has the skilled population needed to attract investment, and encourage job creation.

Mrs D’Ath said Advancing skills for the future: a strategy for vocational education and training in Queensland was now available for public comment.

“The Palaszczuk Government is all about creating jobs, lowering unemployment and reinvigorating regional communities across our state, especially for those doing it tough after the mining boom,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The world is changing and our economy, industries and work practices are changing with it.

“It’s estimated about 40 per cent of existing jobs may be automated over the next 10 to 15 years and Queensland needs a workforce that is resourceful, flexible and able to adapt more readily,” she said.

The draft strategy will become the blueprint for Vocational Education and Training and is open for public comment for six weeks.

“Consultation with industry, VET providers and the public is an essential part of developing the strategy and this consultative approach will continue as key initiatives in the strategy are rolled out,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Mrs D’Ath said the draft strategy proposes priority actions under three key action areas: industry and innovation; a quality system; and access and participation. 

She said the strategy demonstrated the government’s commitment to a sustainable model of contestable funding and restoring TAFE Queensland as a premium provider.

“The Palaszczuk Government understands that a strong public training provider is crucial to delivering a highly skilled workforce,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Consultation will also include a Ministerial roundtable in Brisbane and targeted stakeholder forums across Queensland.

Further details are available at www.training.qld.gov.au/VETstrategy

Public consultation closes on 13 April 2017.

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