RESOURCES and energy industry employers will continue to have a strong voice in the ongoing development of Australia’s skills landscape after AREEA Director Industry Services Tara Diamond was reappointed to the Australian Industry & Skills Committee (AISC).
As the Commonwealth representative to AISC, Ms Diamond will guide reform and development of Australia’s national vocational education and training (VET) policies.
She will work with Chair Professor John Pollaers, the Committee and Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, to continuing delivering a suite of industry programs.
“These programs assist employers with their skills, training and recruitment needs, including attracting and retaining more women in the industry,” Ms Diamond said.
“The AISC’s role is vitally important in ensuring Australia’s training system provides the skills and knowledge needed to grow our country’s businesses and economy.”
In announcing Ms Diamond’s reappointment alongside that of business leader Mr Pollaers, Assistant Minister Andrews said the pair would offer much-needed expertise to AISC.
“With their strong leadership and wealth of industry experience, Professor Pollaers, Ms Diamond and the other committee members have worked hard to ensure Australian industry has a key role in training package development,” Minister Andrews said in a statement.
“Putting a new industry-led system in place has been a massive achievement and a major element of the reform agenda of the Turnbull Government.
“Through the network of 64 Industry Reference Committees, industry has a driving role in determining the relevance and content of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, ensuring training packages reflect the needs of employers.
“Under the leadership of Professor Pollaers, the AISC is driving a range of new initiatives such as collaboration by different industry sectors to develop common units of competency in emerging areas like cyber security, big data, supply chains and automation.
“Greater industry leadership of VET is ensuring graduates have the skills the Australian economy needs.
“I look forward to working with Professor Pollaers, Ms Diamond and committee members to ensure the national training system delivers the skills and knowledge businesses – and the Australian economy – need to grow and prosper,” Minister Andrews said.
