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Defence Industry Workforce Strategy – Discussion Paper

February 2012

A Discussion Paper prepared by the Australian Government’s independent skills and workforce advisory body, Skills Australia, notes that Australian industry is capable of meeting many of the forthcoming supply needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Paper was publically launched 1 February 2012 by Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Defence Materiel, at the Pacific 2012 Forum in Sydney.

The Paper provides a preliminary assessment of the skills outlook for the Defence materiel supply industries, which is made up of private sector organisations contracted to the Department of Defence to provide goods or services to support Defence capability.

A background paper is also being prepared and will be released shortly.

  • Defence Industry Workforce Strategy - Discussion Paper (PDF 424KB| RTF 132KB)
  • Media Release: Australian industry capable of meeting most of the supply needs of the Australian Defence Force
    (PDF 460KB| DOCX 105KB)

Employment Growth Projection in Mining Operations (less oil and gas), 2010–2016

October 2011

This report estimates potential employment growth in the mining operations sector by occupation from 2010 to 2016.

Skills Australia FIFO submission

13 October 2011

Skills Australia has responded with a submission to the call for an Inquiry into FIFO by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia.

The submission is based on and builds on research from industry, education and government on the impacts of FIFO and DIDO in the resources sector. While it is well known that FIFO is now a common form of work, the extent to which the resources sector utilises the FIFO and DIDO workforce is not well documented and is an extremely complex issue.

Skills Australia acknowledges that FIFO and DIDO has an important role in meeting the demands of labour and skills across Australia and welcomes the House of Representatives Inquiry.

Major Projects Schedule

September 2011

Skills Australia has updated projections for the resources sector’s likely demand for labour and the supply of skills by mapping the major resources and energy projects .

As indicated in the Skills Australia 2011 Interim report on resources sector skill needs, one of the key tasks is to provide an update on the estimates of the timing of the construction of major projects and related skill needs.

This paper provides a further update on the work originally undertaken by the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce by mapping the major resources and energy projects that are expected to be built over the next seven years, including their location and estimated construction and operation commencement dates.

Skills Australia Business Plan 2011

The Skills Australia Business Plan 2011 builds on the strategic direction and objectives established by Skills Australia in 2009, 2010 and sets out the priorities and activities that the organisation will undertake in 2011 in order to achieve those objectives.

Skills Australia 2011 interim report on resources sector skills needs

19 July 2011

Skills Australia today released its national interim report on the resources sector’s skills needs. This report is the first by Skills Australia in response to the Government’s request that, following on from the work of the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce (NRSET), Skills Australia prepare annual reports on the resources sector skill needs.

In preparation for Skills Australia’s interim on current and future skill and labour needs for the resources sector, Skills Australia commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to prepare a literature review about skill shortages in the resources sector:

Launch of Skills for Prosperity – a roadmap for vocational education and training report

On 3 May 2011, Skills for Prosperity – a roadmap for vocational education and training report was launched and presented to Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, putting forward comprehensive reforms for the way the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector is developed, organised and financed.
 

Scenario Development Forum Report

The final report from the Skills Australia and Academy of Social Sciences Australia Joint Scenario Development Forum held on 7 February 2011 is now available.

Energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings: Jobs and skills implications

To investigate the impact of energy efficiency initiatives on jobs and skills, Skills Australia has produced a case study report focusing on jobs and skills in commercial and residential buildings.

The report finds that there will be a few new occupations resulting from energy efficiency initiatives for the built environment, however the more significant implications for the labour market relate to the need to update skills and knowledge for existing occupations.

The vision is for Australia to have the skills to meet energy efficiency needs to 2025 through workforce development, occupational studies and the development of clear career pathways. The vocational education and training (VET) and higher education sectors will play a critical role.

Download a copy of the full report

Have your say: Creating a future direction for Australian vocational education and training

Discussion paper Skills Australia has released Creating a future direction for Australian vocational education and training, a discussion paper, and welcomes your input and ideas in shaping the future direction of the VET sector. For more information and to access the public submissions provided to Skills Australia, visit the discussion paper section of this website.

Australian Workforce Futures

Skills Australia has released its paper ‘Australian Workforce Futures: A National Workforce Development Strategy’ reporting recommendations for a fundamental overhaul in the way the nation approaches and supports workforce development—at a national, industry and enterprise level.

The vision for this strategy is that Australia has the workforce capability it requires for a productive, sustainable and inclusive future, and that Australian enterprises have the capacity to develop and use the skills of their workforce to maximum advantage for the benefit of industry and the community.

Occasional Paper: The Labour Market, Skills Demand and Skills Formation

In September 2008 Skills Australia and the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA) joined together in sponsoring a half day seminar to discuss how current research findings could inform policy makers and practitioners about the labour market and future skills needs.

There have been significant changes in labour market demand and the seminar was intended to provide input into Skills Australia's determination of its future research priorities as well as inform its advice more generally. The specific topics of discussion covered at the seminar include:

  • The demand for skills
  • The demand for training
  • Workforce development and the use of skills; and
  • Skills training returns.

This paper presents the outcomes of the seminar and sets in context the proceedings in a broader public policy framework.

  • The Labour Market, Skills Demand and Skills Formation
    (PDF 1MB)*

Foundations for the Future: Findings and Recommendations

Skills Australia's position paper 'Foundations for the Future: Proposals for the Governance, Architecture and Market Design of the National Training System' has been released, reporting findings and recommendations for a new governance framework for the National Training System.

The paper involved an extensive review and consultations across all jurisdictions and engagement with key stakeholders, the paper supporting a more aligned and streamlined governance model for an integrated tertiary sector.

Download a copy of the report: 'Foundations for the Future: Proposals for the Governance, Architecture and Market Design of the National Training System':

  • Foreword, Executive Summary and Summary of recommendations
    (PDF 157KB)*
  • Section One - Introduction
    (PDF 134KB)*
  • Section Two - The context of Skills Australia's advice
    (PDF 77KB)*
  • Section Three - Leading a unified vision for skills to support a national economy
    (PDF 193KB)*
  • Section Four - Providing the evidence base for policy and reform
    (PDF 77KB)*
  • Section Five - Investing wisely and effectively in skills and workforce development
    (PDF 116KB)*
  • Section Six - Regulating and ensuring quality services and products
    (PDF 364KB)*
  • Section Seven - Using information for system performance and client choice
    (PDF 87KB)*
  • Section Eight - Providing training services that meet needs
    (PDF 85KB)*
  • Appendix A
    (PDF 39KB)*
  • Appendix B
    (PDF 120KB)*

Download the full report

Media Release

Skills Australia Governance Discussion Paper – September/October 2008

Skills Australia has produced a discussion paper on ‘Future governance arrangements for the National Training System’. The purpose of the paper was to canvass the views of stakeholders on the governance framework.

These views will then be used to inform Skills Australia’s advice and recommendations to the Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

A final report will be prepared by Skills Australia, based upon the submissions, further consultations and the results of work that has been commissioned to inform on international best practice. This report will be finalised in the first half of 2009.

  • Skills Australia Discussion Paper
    "Future governance arrangements for the National Training System"
    (PDF197KB | RTF15MB)

Governance and architecture of Australia’s VET sector: Country Comparisons

Skills Australia contracted NCVER to undertake research into the governance and architecture of VET systems in OECD countries other than Australia.

NCVER was asked to address seven specific questions as part of this research:

  • How are industry parties embedded in the governance of national VET Systems?
  • How are industry parties embedded in the governance of national VET Systems?
  • How do countries plan for and anticipate emerging and future skills needs? What role do industry parties play in these processes?
  • How is public funding disbursed and how is it tied to outcomes?
  • What is the impact of competition on governance structure?
  • How can governance arrangements be structured to engender industry funding support for formally accredited education and training
  • How complex are governance arrangements in other countries, and particularly in federal countries?

NCVER’s major findings against each of the seven questions can be found in the following report:

  • Governance and architecture of Australia’s VET sector: Country Comparisons.
    (PDF 2MB | RTF 2.5MB)

Strategic Industry Forum

The Strategic Industry Forum report summarises the outcomes of the first Strategic Industry forum facilitated by Skills Australia on 20 February 2009.

The specific aims of the forum were to:

  • articulate a collective vision
  • identify mechanisms for the industry leadership, and
  • develop mechanisms for collaboration

The members of the forum included the chairs of the boards of the Industry Skills Councils, representatives of several key industry peak bodies, and the chairs of State Training Authorities.

Investing in skills for a more productive future - Communiqué from third meeting of the Strategic Industry Forum

The Strategic Industry Forum had its third meeting of industry leaders on 2 June 2010 to discuss possible changes to the funding of Australia's VET sector to lift workforce participation, adult literacy, productivity, employment opportunities and job satisfaction.

  • Communiqué from third Strategic Industry Forum
    (PDF 91KB | RTF 102KB)
  • Background paper - Investment in Vocational Education and Training (VET): Overview Analysis and Options for Improvement
    (PDF 618KB | RTF 801KB)

Lifting Quality in Training - Communiqué from second meeting of the Strategic Industry Forum

The Strategic Industry Forum had its second meeting of industry leaders on 20 November 2009 to discuss the current and future quality of the national training system.

Industry Skills Forum

At a strategic industry forum held on 20 February 2009, key industry and government figures resolved to ensure that skills development and training do not become a casualty of the current uncertain economic times.

Industry leaders identified four key areas for action to strengthen Australia's skills base:

  • strategic industry leadership
  • quality
  • funding and equity; and
  • using evidence-based policy and planning.

Work on the four themes identified will be coordinated by a Working Group, which will help drive change in collaboration with broader industry and community stakeholders.

A communiqué and associated media release from the forum is available:

NOUS Group's Report - August/September 2008

To facilitate Skills Australia’s role in advising the Deputy Prime Minister in relation to Australia's workforce skills needs and workforce development needs, forums led by the Industry Skill Councils (ISCs) with participation of state industry representatives were held across Australia during the period 18 August 2008 to 28 August 2008.

The forums were well received and stakeholders welcomed the opportunity to provide input and work with Skills Australia. The forums drew on the extensive work already undertaken by the attendees to:

  • Identify the priority areas of skill needs in the sectors;
  • Enhance the process of workforce planning and identifying future areas of skill needs in the sectors, drivers of skills and labour shortages and industry response; and
  • Improve quality and consistency across industries in identifying skills needs.

The NOUS Group's report summarises information obtained from the forums.

  • The NOUS Group report - Skills Australia: Industry Skills Councils – Report on Facilitation of Forums
    (PDF 14KB)*

Feedback on the report can be sent by email to Skills Australia or by post to Skills Australia Secretariat, GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601.

Skills Australia Annual Report

  • Skills Australia Annual Report 2010/2011
    This is the fourth annual report for Skills Australia. The report was tabled in Parliament on 28 October 2011.
    (PDF 1.24MB | RTF 1.67MB)
  • Skills Australia Annual Report 2009/10
    This is the third annual report for Skills Australia covering our second full year of operation. The report was tabled in Parliament on 28 October 2010.
    (PDF 511KB | RTF 708KB)
  • Skills Australia Annual Report 2008/09
    This is the second annual report for Skills Australia covering our first full year of operation. The report was tabled in Parliament on 19 November 2009.
    (PDF 457KB | RTF 409KB)
  • Skills Australia Annual Report 2007/08
    This is the first Skills Australia Annual Report covering the months from establishment in March 2008 to the end of the financial year in June 2008. The report was tabled in Parliament on 1 December 2008.
    (PDF 151KB | RTF 784KB)

Skills Australia Business Plan 2010

The Skills Australia Business Plan 2010 builds on the strategic direction and objectives established by Skills Australia in 2009 and sets out the priorities and activities that the organisation will undertake in 2010 in order to achieve those objectives.

Skills Australia Workplan

* If you are having difficulty accessing this document please contact Skills Australia by email at secretariat@skillsaustralia.gov.au or contact 02 6340 5263.

The Australian And New Zealand Standard Classification Of Occupations: Scoping Study

The purpose of this paper was to discuss issues associated with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) which is the statistical classification system underpinning our Specialised and Skilled Occupation Lists. The issues canvassed were:

  • ANZSCO and the constraints on its structure and content that are integral to its primary role as a statistical classification;
  • The use of ANZSCO in Australia for both statistical and non-statistical purposes. The latter are also referred to as “administrative purposes” and include the determination of skills in demand and consequent policy and procedures on training and immigration;
  • International experience;
  • Calls to make changes to ANZSCO from industry skills councils; and
  • Options for changing ANZSCO.
  • The Australian And New Zealand Standard Classification Of Occupations: Scoping Study
    (PDF 362KB | RTF 731KB)