People
Issue No. 7 - October/November 2002
Predicting Workforce Needs
The Office of Vocational Education and Training (OVET) has recently completed preliminary planning and consultation to determine industry training priorities for 2003. High on the list of priorities are community services and health, IT and tourism and hospitality areas.
Public funds will also be directed towards innovative and emerging areas. This includes ongoing support for training in specialist software development as well as equipment and training in laboratory operations in response to strong demand from the State’s biotechnology industry.
Emerging priorities for 2003 focus on training needs arising from sustainable development and targeted training. New training in sustainable and renewable energy practices will be provided to meet the needs of industry, government and local communities. Seed funding will also be provided for developing training in water care in conjunction with the State’s water industry.
In keeping with national and State strategies to boost participation and relevance of VET, the State Government will run a pilot program for targeted training as a means of engaging individuals and businesses in a culture of lifelong learning.
Rapid commercial and industrial change in today’s business environment places great demands on individuals to keep up with the latest developments in their field. At the same time, newcomers to the workforce are expected to have work-ready skills, relevant to their employment.
The role of the training system in catering to these diverse needs is complex and continually evolving.
In its 200 year history (including 30 years since the system of TAFE colleges were established) the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system has undergone significant change in order to best meet the training needs of individuals, industry and the broader community.
Research suggests that only about half of all training is actually provided for publicly; the ba...
