In November 2019, the Victorian Government commissioned a significant review into Victoria’s post-secondary education and training system to ensure Victoria has the skills we need for our growing economy.
In 2020, the Review took on the added challenge of responding to the unprecedented shock Victoria has faced from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The final report of the Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy review, Future Skills for Victoria – Driving collaboration and innovation in post-secondary education and training was released on 3 February 2021.
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 of the House of Representatives of the Australian Parliament.
The Review was undertaken through deep engagement with the sector – more than 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.
Skills and training, in particular, will be the key ingredient in Victoria’s economic and social recovery out of the pandemic, and a system that can meet the needs of industry and Government is more important than ever.
Report and findings
The report’s analysis and findings were informed by a series of virtual stakeholder consultations, workshops and public submissions, and provides a set of recommendations aimed to show a new way of working together to deliver the skills and jobs that Victorian industry, students and communities need.
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 evidence and database 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 an excellent curriculum and improve professional learning for VET practitioners.
Ms Macklin’s report reinforces that to maximise a skills-led economic recovery, the skills sector must continue to innovate, to meet the changing needs of students and industry in creative, collaborative ways.
The Victorian Government will draw on the Review in considering future reforms to the vocational education and training system.
Final Report
Future Skills for Victoria: Driving collaboration and innovation in post-secondary education and training (PDF, 4.8MB). Final Report of the Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy Review by The Honourable Jenny Macklin.
Ministerial order
See a copy of the ministerial order: Review of Vocational and Applied Learning in Victorian Post-Secondary Education Order 2019 (PDF, 86.1KB)
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