NATIONAL resource employer group AREEA has accepted the Australian Government’s invitation to join the advisory board leading reform to Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system.

AREEA’s involvement will ensure the skills needs of mining, oil and gas, related construction and allied sector employers are represented in this important reform project.

Launched recently by Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane, the advisory board comprises a group of five core representatives from across the business community to lead reforms in the VET sector and better meet Australia’s future skills needs.

“The era of training for training’s sake is over,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“The VET sector must deliver training that can deliver students into a job and meet the changing skills needs of Australian industry in a fiercely competitive global environment.

“As Australia transitions to new industries of the future, the most important asset will be access to a skilled and productive workforce.”

Joining the board on behalf of Australia’s mining, oil and gas sectors is AREEA executive director Tara Diamond, who said the resource industry’s involvement in the VET reform process would be of great benefit to Australia’s economy.

“Many of Australia’s mega-resource projects are making the transition from the construction phase to long-term production and exports, signalling an evolution in skills demands across the mining, oil and gas sectors,” she said.

“Equipping our training sector to meet these new skills demands will ensure the longevity of Australia’s resource sector and allow us to provide long-term employment and upskilling opportunities to a wide number of Australians.

“AREEA, on behalf of its membership, is proud to be a part of the VET reform initiative and looks forward to working with resource employers to provide feedback to the Australian Government and other business community stakeholders to aid in the development of a more flexible and effective training system.”

Already, AREEA has commenced consultation with its members to ensure the needs of the resource industry are met in the VET reform process.

The VET reform agenda comprises six reform objectives approved by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Industry and Skills Council. These objectives cover:

• streamlining governance arrangements and ensuring industry oversight;
• qualifications that are flexible and meet industry needs;
• trade apprenticeships that are valued and utilised by both employers and individuals;
• responsive and fair regulation;
• better information for consumers; and
• better targeting of funding.

For more information about the VET reform process and how the Australian Government is working toward its six objectives, click here.