The Commonwealth Government has continued its commitment to revitalise vocational education and training (VET) in Australia by establishing an independent expert advisory panel.

With the spotlight on the important contribution Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector makes to the economy this National Skills Week, the Expert Panel will provide independent strategic advice to the Government on key reforms flowing from the ‘Expert Review of Australia’s VET System’ (the Joyce Review), released in April 2019.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the Government is acting on the Joyce Review by committing more than $525 million to the Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package.

“It will ensure our workforce has the right skills to help businesses grow and contribute to the economy, both now and into the future,” she said.

Honourable Steven Joyce will chair the Expert Panel, joined by Peter Noonan, Professor of Tertiary Education Policy at Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute, and Dr Vanessa Guthrie, who will bring industry perspective, with her senior leadership and executive experience.

Minister Cash said the three panel members bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the task of advising the Government on the implementation of the skills package, and on our future reform trajectory.

Earlier this month, AREEA welcomed collaboration by state and federal skills ministers to work together through a new council to deliver a stronger VET sector.

For more information about the Commonwealth Government’s Skills Package click here.

Celebrating Australia’s highly-skilled workforce

National Skills Week started on 26 August, with ‘Succeed your way’ the theme of this year’s celebrations.

The week is an opportunity to highlight the range of nationally-recognised qualifications available to harness the current, and future opportunities of our workforce.

“Whether you’re still at school or finishing, looking to broaden your skills or change careers, Australia has a wide range of education pathways to choose from. Vocational education and training (VET) offers real skills for real careers enabling you to become work-ready for employers,”Minister Cash said.

For more information about National Skills week click here.

To learn more about the Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package click here.

This #NationalSkillsWeek AMMA proudly celebrates the immense talent enjoying a diverse & rewarding career in resources and energy.

It is our industry's highly-skilled people underpinning economic growth and a brighter future for all Australians. pic.twitter.com/XLgZiBRv4Y

— Aust Resources & Energy Employer Assoc AREEA (@AREEAnewsroom) August 25, 2019