NSW launches comprehensive VET sector review with public consultation

The New South Wales Government has launched a comprehensive review of the state’s vocational education and training (VET) sector with the launch of public consultation around the state, delivering on a key election commitment of the sitting Government to “rebuild TAFE”.

 

“A strong TAFE makes for a strong VET Sector, better skills and an economy better prepared for the future,” said NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car.

 

“We want to hear every voice, from industry leaders to past and current students, educators, employers and other key stakeholders to discuss their concerns and insights.

 

“Listening to the people at the heart of the vocational education and training sector will equip us with the tools to deliver the best results for our learners and the economy.”

 

The review will address how to put TAFE at the heart of a thriving VET system in NSW as well as identifying strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement in skills development and training and looking at ways of attracting, retaining and supporting the VET workforce.

 

The expert review panel, comprising chair Dr Michele Bruniges AM, The Hon. Professor Verity Firth AM and Jason Ardler PSM, will embark on a series of roundtables and a regional tour to ensure it is hearing all voices and seeing the breadth of VET provision across NSW.

 

The first roundtable was held in Tamworth at the Bush Summit, bringing together community leaders and policy makers to discuss challenges and opportunities facing regional and remote communities.

 

Further roundtables will be held in Wollongong, western Sydney, Dubbo, Cobar, Hunter/Central Coast, Ballina, and Albury throughout August and September.

 

The expert panel will also visit Coffs Harbour, Moree, Moruya, Bega and Sydney during the regional tour in September.

 

The panel has launched a discussion paper that will guide the consultation, posing questions to prompt feedback and engagement across four key themes:

 

• Boosting student success
• Placing TAFE NSW at the heart of the system
• Delivering VET in NSW
• Preparing VET for the future.

 

Consultations will also focus on five industry areas:

 

• Primary industries
• Care economy
• Manufacturing, construction and engineering
• Educators
• Digital.

 

The consultation period will be open to the public, who can take part in a ‘Have Your Say’ survey or make a written submission in response to the discussion paper through an open submission process.

 

“Public consultation is key to informing the Review’s recommendations about how to improve equitable access to VET and support for learners across the state,” said Chair of the VET review panel Dr Michele Bruniges AM.

 

“Stakeholder consultation is critical to make sure we put in place the right settings to attract, support and retain our valuable VET teachers, while providing students and trainees with the best possible opportunities to achieve rewarding outcomes.”

 

“As a panel, we particularly want to hear your practical ideas and solutions to the challenges we have outlined in the discussion paper.”

 

To learn more or to contribute to the review, please see here.