WA launches new state training plan to develop skilled local workers

Western Australia has launched a new state training plan that outlines the Government’s priority to develop a highly skilled and agile local workforce, with four pillars to guide investment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. 

The plan will help position the VET sector to equip Western Australians – including those from regional, diverse and under-represented backgrounds – with the skills needed to participate and prosper in the workplace.

The plan will also focus on continuing initiatives, including skills development for the tourism and hospitality industries, social assistance and allied health and agriculture sectors, and raising the profile of VET among young Western Australians.

Training Minister Simone McGurk welcomed the release of the plan which is led by the industry-backed State Training Board, highlighting the four key priorities to guide “a well-funded, responsive and innovative VET sector” that supports the strategic development of the state’s industries and economy.

The four key priorities are:

• Advocating for WA skills needs in national skills reform
• Preparing a skilled workforce for energy transformation and decarbonisation targets
• Managing a sustainable pipeline of apprentices and trainees
• Building regional workforce skills and capacity.

Complementing key State Government priorities, the plan is informed by data, labour market analysis, and valuable consultation with industry. The full State Training Plan 2023-24 and more information about the Board are available at https://www.stb.wa.gov.au