1. Quality of the VET Workforce Dianne Wallace 20 June 2012

2. Role of the VET Sector Build human capital by inspiring, stimulating and enriching learners from all segments of the community Assist the workforce to acquire the skills needed by the economy Contribute to social inclusion and civic participation. ( Productivity Commission Report )

3. The VET System Key role in skills development for industries central to Australia’s economic growth and prosperity. NCVER survey shows that 50% of all employers use the VET system to provide training for employees

4. Australia’s human capital Most immediately, as we look towards economic recovery, employers are already raising concerns about the risk that our economic growth will be constrained because of skill shortages. Looking further ahead, we will need to deepen our skills and lift productivity to enable us to change and maintain our competitive advantage and a high standard of living,as the emerging economies in our region further advance and industralise.( Skills Australia 2010a,p.1)

5. An additional 2.1 million people with VET qualifications will be needed in the workforce by 2015 under a higher growth scenario. Access Economics Modelling of Skill Demand October 2009

6. Australia’s human capital The more we develop the skill level of each worker, the higher the potential productivity of the labour force. A highly educated and skilled workforce supports innovation, the implementation of technological advances and the accumulation of physical capital….The level of educational and skills attainment also significantly influences an individual’s future labour force participation and earnings potential. Australia must continue to build on our skills base to maintain a higher standard of living as the population ages. ( Treasury 2010,p.12)

7. Australia’s human capital The VET sector plays a key role in building Australia’s human capital. Its workforce,aided by infrastructure and equipment, provides students with new or improved competencies that can make them more valued, productive and innovative workers. (Productivity Commission Report, p.3 )

8. Lack of confidence in VET by employers and industry highlight capability gaps in : Quality and consistency of assessment practices, including RPL Delivery and assessment of programs to disadvantaged and Indigenous learners Delivery of higher-level qualifications Delivery of information and communication technology skills Workplace- based delivery and assessment Development of LLN skills in learners

9. The Apprenticeship Market 45% of current apprentices are discontinuing or failing to complete their apprenticeship. Government and Industry are getting a poor return on their investment in the apprenticeship system. A Fair Deal November 2011

10. The VET practitioner’s challenge The quality of the output of VET is closely linked to the quality of its workers responsible for delivering the services. VET trainers and assessors are “dual professionals”, with a range of capabilities recognised by VET and industry, required to have strong industry currency, and close working relationship with industry.

11. In practice,the challenge of a VET Practitioner is to: Impart learning Motivate and encourage learners to develop Use teaching aids and materials effectively Assess learners fairly and accurately Collaborate with other educators Maintain,develop own educational skills Maintain currency of industry knowledge of day-to-day practices, solutions and challenges.

12. Challenges of the VET workforce To work in an environment driven by skill shortages, new technology, and changing work structures To deliver a greater volume of training Increase the quality and breadth of its training Cater for the more diverse learner population Operate under a more contingent and contestable funding system

13. Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspectives and understandings with you today. Dianne Wallace Email: dianne@diannewallace.com.au Mobile: 0417 749 505