VET in a world of digital disruption

The Digital Transformation Expert Panel is running virtual consultations to identify how Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system can most effectively respond to the digital change unfolding across industry and its impact on the nation’s workforce.

The panel says the talks with peak industry bodies, state training authorities, VET regulators and training provider peaks are almost complete. Industry Reference Committees are currently being surveyed on the issue.

Another survey seeking the views of industry associations, employer organisations and unions is open until July 30.

This survey aims to capture the views covering two topics:

• The industry and its approach to digital transformation

• Australia’s VET system and how to support existing workers to upskill and reskill.

With a view to building a digitally enabled workforce, the panel’s approach will consider what’s already working well in Australia as well as internationally. It will focus on those economies leading the way and look at where they are similar to our own.

It is also seeking to understand the priorities, views, ideas and concerns of key local stakeholders.

Adopting a two-phase methodology, the panel will focus on research and analysis as well as consultation and engagement with key stakeholders.

“With every step forward enabled by technology, we risk leaving behind those without the requisite skills to engage in our digital future.  We’re now in an era where we not only need to acquire digital skills but continue to update those skills throughout our working lives and beyond,” says the panel.

“Just how vocational training systems can best support the workforce is a question being explored by many nations. As the panel continues its work, we’ll continue to highlight a range of key reports, websites, videos and social media channels on digital transformation and what it means for the world of work.”

The results of the consultation and survey will be presented as part of the Digital Transformation Skills Strategy that the panel will submit to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) for consideration.

Participants can access the survey by clicking here.