VECCI response to Victorian Labor’s 'Back to School' strategy

 

VECCI chief executive Mark Stone said VECCI welcomes the release of Victorian Labor’s “Back to School” plan for education and skills.

"The policy contains a number of initiatives consistent with Taking Care of Business, VECCI’s 2014 state election agenda, which will help Victoria’s education and training system meet the skills needs of Victoria’s service industries, emerging high growth sectors and industries undergoing change," Mr Stone said.

"Establishing 10 new technical schools will give many school students a head-start in gaining the skills needed for employment and we welcome the focus these schools will have on local industries.

"Technical schools have a vital role to play in providing students with industry experience through school based traineeships and apprenticeships. This training must be capable of evolving as the nature of industry and occupational requirements change," he said.

"The $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund needs to support system restructuring that is responsive to industry, rather than training providers. Sustainability will depend on the extent to which the TAFE sector can meet the training requirements of traditional goods producing industries, service industries and emerging high growth sectors.

"We welcome the commitment to tighten VET regulation to ensure the quality of qualifications; a move that will engender confidence in the system among all stakeholders.

"Increased funding for schools, including independent schools, is positive, however infrastructure alone will not improve student outcomes. Curriculum reform, school leadership and improvements in teacher training and assessment are also required.

"Labor’s promised VET funding review is timely and highly relevant to informing the future direction of skills reform, which must have as its objective the realisation of a significant improvement in training quality and responsiveness."

*

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

ends