Workforce skills development and engagement in training through skill sets: literature review

This literature review examines the available research on skill sets. It provides background for a larger research project Workforce skills development and engagement in training through skill sets, the report of which will be released early next year.

This paper outlines the origin of skill sets and explains the difference between skill sets developed by national vocational education and training (VET) industry bodies for training packages and those developed by registered training organisations (RTOs) for particular clients. The researchers consider the rationale for skill sets and explain their role in the national training system.

Key messages

The review identifies a number of perspectives on skill sets and their contribution to the VET system:

• Some research suggests that skill sets are a valuable VET solution because of their flexibility and capacity to be responsive to changing labour market needs.
• Skill sets may also provide a quick and more cost-effective option for learners and may appeal to those who might be daunted by the prospect of having to undertake a full qualification.
• Conversely, some suggest that skill sets may confine individuals to narrow job roles and reduce their labour mobility.

The larger project, which will draw on quantitative and qualitative TAFE NSW data on the uptake of skill sets in the Agrifoods sector, will test these assertions.

Tom Karmel
Managing Director, NCVER