The Queensland government has launched a discussion paper to inform the development of the state’s new Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, which will drive the state’s annual $1.2 billion investment in skills and training.
The government has estimated that the state will need an additional 280,000 workers by 2024-25 and more than a third of these workers will require a vocational education and training qualification.
This comes as the demand for workers with skills in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital services increases daily.
“We are in the midst of surging workforce growth, so given the rapidly changing landscape, including demand for different higher level skills and national skills reforms, a new Queensland VET Strategy is required,” said Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer.
The VET strategy is part of the Queensland government’s “Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032,” ensuring the state meets the demand for skilled workers now and into the future.
Farmer said the consultation and development of the strategy seek to ensure the financial modelling is right and that the government is investing in the proper training to support both the existing and upcoming workforce.
“Building on our strong partnerships with industry, we want to keep working with employers to deliver quality training and positive outcomes for Queenslanders as well as support the transition from school to work and the use of VET at all career stages,” Farmer said.
“I encourage everyone to contribute to this discussion to ensure our VET sector is delivering the right outcomes for students and employers and supporting Queensland’s continued growth.”
The Queensland government has appointed a VET Strategy Reference Group comprised of industry, community, and skills sector stakeholders to guide the consultation process
The discussion paper and online survey can be accessed at qld.gov.au/qvetstrategy. Forums are also slated to be held across the state to gather the views of stakeholders and users of the VET system. Responses to the consultation will be accepted until 18 August.
