VET News

Jobs and Skills Councils & Training Package News

Jobs & Skills Australia

Small Area Labour Markets: September quarter 2023 data now available

The latest Small Area Labour Markets (SALM) estimates show that the number of Statistical Area Level 2s (SA2s) with an unemployment rate of less than 5% increased from 1,519 to 1,634 over the year to the September quarter 2023. At the same time, the number of SA2s with an unemployment rate of 10% or higher has fallen considerably (down from 102 to 65).

These results reflect further improvement in labour market conditions for the majority of SA2s and are consistent with the continued strength in Australia’s labour market that occurred over that period.

To read the news article, click here.

‘Skill shortage’ myth-busting

The December Skills Shortage Quarterly (SSQ) report is out now.

The December 2023 quarter spotlight piece covers some skill shortage facts. The term ‘skill shortage’ is often used interchangeably with other terms, such as labour shortages, qualification shortages, skills gaps in the existing workforce, or high turnover.

In the report, Jobs and Skills Australia defines the term ‘skill shortages’ and provide insights into the possible causes and potential impacts on businesses and the economy. It also unpacks some prevalent misconceptions around skill shortages.

To read the report, click here.

Build Skills Australia

News Articles

• Get ready for another training policy - explores the the Australian Skills Guarantee (ASG) - BuildSkills Australia - February 2024
• Are apprentice subsidies worth the cost?- explores apprentice commencements - BuildSkills Australia - February 2024

Speech - BuildSkills Australia Jobs and Skills Council National Launch

The Honourable Brendan O'Connor MP delivered a speech on the BuildSkills Australia Jobs and Skills Council National Launch.

Mr O'Connor congratulates BuildSkills for hitting the ground running and notes that the launch is the culmination of a series of roadshows across Australia. BuildSkills is not only critical in its own right, it’s also foundational in supporting other industries and occupations – construction can be seen as the framework to the Australian economy.

To read the speech, see Speech - BuildSkills Australia Jobs and Skills Council National Launch.

Future Skills 

News on LinkedIn - February 2024

Future Skills has released news via LinkedIn, which includes the following topics:

• 5 key priorities for finance, tech and business workforces
• The impact of generative AI on skills in the workplace
• Uplifting digital capability will secure Australia's future
• Industry must align to address the skills gap
• National Skills Week and Growing Australia's Digital Workforce

Read the news articles here.

Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA)

Automotive and Mining Workforce Plan

Reminder: submissions for the Automotive and Mining Workforce Plan close Thursday, 29 February 2024. Provide your feedback here.

Alternatively, register to attend one of the interactive Workforce Plan Interactive Webinars by registering  here.

To read the Plan, see the Automotive and Mining Workforce Plan.

Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)

Newsletter - The Latest - February 2024

SaCSA has released its newsletter, "The Latest",  for February, which includes the following topics:

• Work underway on the next Workforce Plan
• Establishment of the first two Strategic Workforce Advisory Groups (SWAGs) for the Arts and Tourism Industries.
• Expressions of interest now open: Personal Services, Retail & Hospitality SWAGs
• Register for two in-person roundtable consultations in Darwin, NT for the Arts and Tourism & Hospitality industries
• Register for two virtual roundtables for the hospitality industry
• Congratulations to Professor Barney Glover AO
• Position available - Stakeholder Liaison Manager: Retail & Personal Services
• Skills Priority List Industry Survey
• Article: Generative AI and the future of work in Australia
• Stakeholder engagement and upcoming events

Read the full newsletter here.

Skills Insight

Updates on Existing Projects Relating to AHC

Skills Insight provides the following updates:

• Thank you for participating in the Ag Trade Apprenticeship Project - Research is underway into the dynamics of a trade apprenticeship in agriculture to help attract new entrants and promote career pathways in agriculture. Those with experience as trainers, employers or employees in the industry are encouraged to provide input. For more information, visit the project page.
• AHC Improvements Project in Finalisation Stage - The qualifications and skill sets have moved into the finalisation stage, which involves internal checks and submission to the Training Package Assurance Body. Thank you to those who have participated in this project to date. Your input will help support future learners, trainers, and industry as a whole. For more information, visit the project page.
• Draft Tree Felling Units in Finalisation Stage - The final draft units of competency, qualifications and Consultation Log have been sent to the Senior Responsible Officers for their consideration and to seek their support for submission to the Training Package Assurance Body. For more information and to have your say, visit the project page.

Read the news article here.

Work Underway on New AHC Projects

Skills Insight has commenced work on three new projects in the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and ecosystem management (AHC) industry. Projects include: the Livestock Operations Project; Shearing and Wool Classing Project; and the Rural Operations Project.

Input is encouraged from all stakeholders throughout the projects.  For more information, click here.

Date posted Feb 29, 2024