ECEC included in ACT Government’s five Industry Action Plans

The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is one of five sectors and industries singled out for reform as part of the ACT Government’s latest actions to build a more flexible, responsive and future-focused vocational education and training (VET) sector for the territory’s future workforce through five Industry Action Plans.

The Industry Action Plans, which build on Skilled to Succeed: a skills and workforce agenda for the ACT, have been developed in close consultation with the relevant sectors/industries and training providers with over 100 new actions to build, attract and grow the local workforce.

“The strength of the ACT’s economy depends on the skills of our future workforce,” ACT Minister for Skills and Training Chris Steel said.

“The Industry Action Plans highlight how the government will partner with industry and the VET system to support more training and attract more workers across five key industries of building and construction, renewables and sustainability, experience, advanced technology and caring.”

The Minister believes that these key industries and sectors will drive Canberra’s future employment growth and contribute significantly to the local economy and community wellbeing over coming years.

All told, it is expected that the new action plans will support the ACT Government’s commitment to grow the territory’s workforce to 300,000 jobs by 2030.

“Over the short, medium and long term we’ll pursue these actions to grow an increasingly qualified workforce, improve equity, access and participation and ensure we have a high quality, collaborative VET system,” he said.

The ACT Government will also provide $3.8 million funding in 2024-25 for over 600 new Skilled Capital places to help get more students into training. These places are now open for enrolment and will be offered by a range of Registered Training Organisations across more than 20 courses including:

• Certificate III in Individual Support
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate II in Hospitality
• Certificate II in Construction
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security

“These new Skilled Capital places will help more students to access quality training and fill critical skills needs across a range of industries such as community services, technology, hospitality and construction,” Minister Steel added. 

Read the Industry Action Plans here. Find out more about Skilled Capital here