Victoria continues to invest in applied research in the VET system to drive innovation and empower workers with new skills.
Through the Clean Economy Skills Lab, the Victorian TAFE Network is partnering with industry to co-design a new educational offering in the building and construction sector to support the delivery of Victoria’s Housing Statement and the clean economy transition. This will provide existing and new workers in the construction sector with the knowledge and skills to access new and emerging jobs in the clean economy.
The Victorian TAFE Network is also partnering with industry through further Skills Labs, including:
- the Offshore Wind Skills Lab to define the skills relevant to Victoria’s offshore wind energy sector and develop training to support it.
- the Circular Design in Manufacturing Skills Lab to address the skills needed for circular design in manufacturing. Circular design aims to reduce waste by creating products that can be remade and are durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable.
The VSA’s International VET Practitioner Fellowships help successful candidates conduct applied research into innovative practices that can enhance training, support the VET workforce to better meet industry needs, and support participation and inclusion.
For example, the 2024 VET Practitioner Fellows have identified best practice approaches to:
- integrate sustainable building practices into the construction training package, starting with the Certificate II in Building and construction pre-apprenticeship, to help up-skill more workers to build energy-efficient homes28
- teach digital literacy skills to vulnerable learners through four key strategies including clear and detailed instructions, a strengths-based approach, celebrating success and a flexible mindset, and learner-centred instruction.29
Updated