A discussion paper exploring the theme ‘Workforce ready: challenges and opportunities for VET’ has been released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), in preparation for the 29th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference ‘No Frills’, to be held next week from 7-10 July.
The annual conference, which regularly attracts leading researchers, industry experts and vocational education and training (VET) practitioners from across Australia and overseas, will now be held online for the first time after the original Perth event was unable to go ahead due to COVID-19.
Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER, said that the VET sector’s role in providing people with the skills they need to get jobs is more pertinent now than ever, given the substantial job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Employers want employees who are ‘workforce ready’, but what does that mean in a world where workplaces are evolving so rapidly? There are multiple factors to consider, and many of these will be explored at this year’s conference,” Mr Walker said.
‘No Frills’ will open at 11am on Wednesday 8 July with a formal address from Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Federal Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business.
“Vocational education and training is front and centre of the Morrison Government’s JobMaker initiative because we recognise that boosting the skilled capability of our workforce is critical to kick-starting the national economy and ensuring Australia’s future prosperity,” Minister Cash said.
“More than ever before, vocational education and training will be critical to reskilling and upskilling Australians to position them to take on the new jobs that will emerge as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Cash said.
The Minister will be followed by a keynote from award winning designer, researcher, co-host of the New Future podcast and Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Serious Play® Dr Kate Raynes-Goldie, who will speak on: The power of curiosity and playfulness: Mastering the most significant soft skill of 2020.
“In a time when disruption and constant change is the ‘new normal’, it’s actually the innately human skills of curiosity and playfulness that allow us to connect and understand each other, be brave, learn from our failures and seize new opportunities,” Dr Raynes-Goldie said.
“The future of work is not in tech, but in humans.”
Two further keynotes are scheduled for 1pm on Friday 10 July, when Interim National Skills Commissioner Adam Boyton will speak on a topic of interest to many: The National Skills Commission – labour market analysis and skills needs over the recovery phase.
“The National Skills Commission will support economic recovery by understanding what’s happening in the labour market, the structural shifts that have and will occur, and what skilling and re-training support our workforce needs,” Mr Boyton said.
“As the economy recovers and businesses start hiring again, we need to make sure they can find people with the right skills, who are workforce ready.
“We don’t want a mismatch between what businesses want and the skills people have being a handbrake on recovery.”
Emeritus Professor Tracey Horton AO, Chair of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, will also address the conference at this time on: AISC collaborating with industry to meet critical skills needs and strengthen the Australian VET Sector.
“The AISC is focused on working with industry to develop in-demand workforce training as a rapid response to the COVID-19 crisis. These efforts to match training packages with skills requirements in a timely fashion will continue as we move into economic recovery,” Professor Horton said.
The discussion paper Workforce ready: challenges and opportunities for VET is available at https://www.ncver.edu.au/publications
The comprehensive ‘No Frills’ program features a range of live and pre-recorded content, including over 30 presentations, live Q&A events, focus sessions and ample networking opportunities. Registration is still open at: https://www.ncver.edu.au/nofrills2020
Enquiries and interviews: Helen Wildash M: 0448 043 148 E: helenwildash@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy-makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.