19.11.2024Minister Giles outlines skills and training priorities 

The Hon. Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training met with members and special guests for a Committee for Melbourne Lunch at Crown Melbourne, in partnership with the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI).

The Minister shared his vision for the skills and training portfolio and addressed the key issues in the sector.

He acknowledged Australia still faces a skills and labour shortage, emphasising that partnerships and a tripartite approach in the training sector between government, employers, and providers would ultimately benefit outcomes for the workforce.

Qualification reform will also help marry the needs in the workplace with appropriate policy.

Minister Giles noted another Government priority of ensuring access to literacy and numeracy skills for indigenous Australians to become more economically active.

Last week the Federal Government introduced legislation to enshrine Free TAFE in the national vocational education and training (VET) system, funding at least 100,000 Fee-Free TAFE places a year from 2027.

Minister Giles noted that, over the next decade, nine out of 10 new jobs will require post-secondary qualifications and almost half will come through VET pathways.

The Committee thanks the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) for sponsoring the Leadership Luncheon with Minister Giles.