Connecting industry with skills - VSC€¦ · Connecting industry with skills ... meeting workforce training needs and boosting employee productivity ... lead to jobs and skills development

2018 Annual Activity Report Connecting industry with skills

This activity report has been prepared by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner for the

Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP.

Prepared by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner for the Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP.

The Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner is an independent voice connecting industry with the training system

to support the Victorian economy and jobs.

The Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner Annual Activity Report 2018 3

ContentsFrom the Victorian Skills Commissioner 5

The Office of the VSC 6

The Industry Engagement Framework: Securing industry input into the training system 8

Industry Advisory Groups 9

The Industry Engagement Framework: Project outcomes 10

Course in Design and Installation of Grid Connected Renewable Energy Systems 30kVA to 200kVA 10

Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry 10

Regional Skills Demand Profiles: Informing and strengthening regional communities 11

Mallee region 11

Great South Coast region 12

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce: Raising awareness and generating change 14

Influence, interdepartmental cooperation and advice 15

Family Violence project 15

National Disability Insurance Scheme 15

Cooperation with the Department of Education and Training 15

National representation 15

Work with government agencies 16

Future activity 16

Appendix 1 Stakeholder engagement 17

Engagement with organisations and industry enterprises 17

Education and training stakeholder engagement 19

Presentations and speaking engagements 19

IAG meetings and membership 19

Regional Taskforce meetings and membership 22

4

The work of the OVSC is informed by industry intelligence from 10 Industry Advisory Groups.

Victorian Skills Commissioner

Manufacturing, Engineering and Automotive (including Aerospace, Medical Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Transport Technology, Defence Technology, Furnishing, Textiles, Clothing and Footwear)

Primary Industries including Agriculture and Rural Production, Food and Fibre, Horticulture, Animal Care and Management, Racing, Conservation and Land Management, and Seafood and Aquaculture

Business Services, Financial Services, Professional Services, Property Services, Education (including International Education), Information Technology, Printing and Graphic Arts, Cultural and related industries

Construction including Construction Technologies and Civil Construction

Resources, Forestry, Paper and Pulp

Electro technology, Electricity Generation and Supply, Gas Supply and New Energy Technology

Transport and Logistics including Aviation, Road Transport, Rail, Maritime, Ports and Warehousing

Community Services and Health

Services (including Retail, Tourism, Travel, Personal Services, Sport, Fitness and Recreation)

Public Safety, Public Sector, Corrections, Water and Local Government


From the Victorian Skills CommissionerThis report presents the outcomes and activity of the Victorian Skills Commissioner (VSC) and his office in 2018.

In 2018 the Victorian Government announced significant investment in the training system, including modernising apprenticeships and traineeships, and boosting access to vocational pathways and careers advice for secondary students. In part, targeting these new initiatives was possible through previous work by the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner (OVSC) which identified and articulated industry requirements from the training system. Rebalance and Relaunch, my 2017 report on the apprenticeship and traineeship system, laid the foundation for government action to reintroduce trade papers, explore options for independent assessment, and update training materials.

However much remains to be done to ensure that Victorians have a vocational education and training (VET) system that empowers individuals and boosts industry productivity. The Industry Engagement Framework established by my office is contributing vital industry intelligence and insight during the development of government policies and programs. Through this work we can continue to inspire skilling solutions that respond to the identified concerns of Victorian industry and regions.

During 2018 our Industry Advisory Groups have developed qualification summaries for offerings on the funded course list which will improve careers advice to young people and support informed career decision-making.

Regional Skills Taskforces continue to generate wins in Victoria’s regions by bringing employers and training providers together to examine regional workforce skill needs and identify future skills demand. This activity has generated locally-relevant benefits in the Mallee region as well as the development of a Regional Skills Demand Profile for the Great South Coast region.

Through speaking engagements and public forums I have had opportunities to share findings and insights from the work of our regional and industry taskforces, initiate discussion with employers, and raise awareness of Victorian Government initiatives that put taskforce recommendations into practice. As a result, I have been rewarded with interested and thought provoking responses from many stakeholders.

Thank you to all those who have served on OVSC taskforces and Industry Advisory Groups, and those who have participated in roundtable discussions. I am grateful to the many key industry figures who have given their time to advise me, and I am eager to continue these conversations in the future.

Finally, thank you to the Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP, for her support throughout 2018, and to the staff of the OVSC for their dedication to the important work we do.

Neil Coulson


Victorian Skills Commissioner6

The Office of the VSC The OVSC was established in 2016 to support the Victorian Skills Commissioner in his work with government, employers, unions, peak bodies, and training providers to better align training with the needs of Victorian industry and the economy.

The Victorian Skills Commissioner is the Victorian Government’s independent advisor on the Victorian training system and related educational and economic issues. The Commissioner provides advice to the Minister for Training and Skills on:

• how the training system can better support the economy and jobs by addressing skill shortages, meeting workforce training needs and boosting employee productivity

• how industry input can lead to more strategic and targeted interventions to better align the training system with industry needs

• opportunities for promoting training pathways that lead to jobs and skills development in the workforce

• priorities in addressing the training and workforce development needs of Victoria’s regions.

Since its establishment, the OVSC has implemented a structured approach to engaging industry with the training system and has worked across government agencies to support broader economic and social policy objectives.

The key to the OVSC’s success is that much of its work, the data it gathers, and the conclusions it draws, are validated by industry. Using formal and informal mechanisms, the OVSC engages directly with hundreds of stakeholders across Victoria to ensure that industry engagement activities run smoothly and deliver valuable outcomes for all parties. Direct engagement with industry allows the OVSC to identify opportunities and barriers in the training market.

Throughout 2018 staff were responsible for recording and compiling industry intelligence gathered through these engagement processes to build reliable Victorian labour market and demand data that can be used to underpin investment and policy decisions. Common themes and key areas of industry concern that emerged from stakeholder discussions include:

• raising awareness of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities

• addressing regional and sectoral skills shortages

• developing workforce skills for business performance and productivity

• ensuring that qualifications and skill sets deliver skills of value for industry entry.

Industry thinking on these issues informed the Commissioner’s work, guided the development of reports and advice provided to the Minister, and contributed to the OVSC’s future work plans.

In 2018, the OVSC facilitated engagement with stakeholders across Victoria by supporting the Commissioner with more than 20 speaking engagements in addition to an extensive schedule of taskforce meetings and roundtable discussions.


Victorian Skills Commissioner, Neil Coulson talks with reporters alongside Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP about re-skilling opportunities for workers in regional Victoria.


Director OVSC

Victorian Skills Commissioner (VSC)

Communications and Marketing

ManagerProject ManagerProject Manager

Regional Skills Taskforce Manager



Project Coordinator

Finance Officer

Project Coordinator

VSC Executive Assistant

The pages following describe the principal achievements of the OVSC during 2018, and the challenges remaining.

Acting CEO of Box Hill Institute, Jennifer Oliver; the Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, CEO of Weld Australia, Geoff Crittenden and the Victorian Skills Commissioner at Box Hill Institute to launch Australia’s first welder training centre using augmented reality technology.


Minister for Training & Skills

Department of Education & Training


Industry Advisory Groups

Regional Skills

Taskforces

Industry Skills

Taskforces

The Industry Engagement Framework: Securing industry input into the training systemThe Industry Engagement Framework, developed in 2016 by the OVSC, continues to enable and inform its work. The framework provides key training system stakeholders – government, employers, unions, peak bodies and training providers – with an opportunity to share vital information that will guide future workforce development. The flexible and dynamic operation of the framework allows the OVSC to have regular and ongoing engagement with industry, and to respond to changing priorities and emerging issues.

In 2018 the Industry Engagement Framework fulfilled its objective of giving Victorian industry a voice in the training system. The OVSC continually drew on information gathered using direct connections with industry.

Through the framework:

• Industry Advisory Groups (IAGs) met regularly to share insights from across the breadth of Victorian industries. These groups are an important reference for the Commissioner providing industry intelligence on both priority growth sectors and existing industries. They play a formal, ongoing role in informing the Commissioner of workforce training needs and help shape priorities for the government’s funded training system. They comprise representatives of industry, unions and peak bodies, and are supported by Sector Advisory Groups that address discrete, sector-specific issues raised by members

• Regional Skills Taskforces were convened to capture information about regional industry needs. During the year, the Great South Coast Regional Skills Taskforce completed a comprehensive review of the region’s employment needs to produce the Great South Coast’s Regional Skills Demand Profile. The profile will help local training providers and schools align their courses and vocational training activities with the requirements of industry and support ongoing industry engagement in the region

• the OVSC participated in industry and training provider forums to consider workforce development requirements associated with implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). A significant outcome was the development and implementation of an accredited course to support the introduction of the NDIS, 22469VIC Course in Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme

• the OVSC supported Family Safety Victoria by participating in their Industry Skills Taskforce which considered workforce development and qualification requirements to address family violence. Work on this is ongoing.

IAGs have continued their work to review the value and purpose of qualifications in their industry sectors. This work has multiple benefits through its contribution to:

• revising and updating the Funded Course List, including additions and removals, to ensure that those courses supported by government funding are relevant to industry needs. In 2018, three courses were added to the Funded Course List based on IAG feedback:

– Certificate IV in Government Investigations

– Certificate III in Horse Breeding

– Certificate II in Furnishing

• producing qualification summaries that provide guidance on the purpose of qualifications on the Funded Course List in relation to workforce entry and upskilling

• developing careers advice material that informs young people about real industry needs and enables better informed decisions about course selection.


Manufacturing, and Engineering (including Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Transport Technology, Defence Technology, Furnishing, Textiles, Clothing and Footwear)

Primary Industries including Agriculture and Rural Production, Food and Fibre, Horticulture, Animal Care and Management, Racing, Conservation and Land Management, and Seafood and Aquaculture

Business Services, Financial Services, Professional Services, Property Services, Education (including International Education), Information Technology, Printing and Graphic Arts, Cultural and related industries

Construction including Construction Technologies and Civil Construction

Resources, Forestry, Paper and Pulp

Electro technology, Electricity Generation and Supply, Gas Supply and New Energy Technology

Transport and Logistics including Aviation, Road Transport, Rail, Maritime, Ports and Warehousing

Community Services and Health

Services (including Retail, Tourism, Travel, Personal Services, Sport, Fitness and Recreation)


Industry Advisory GroupsIn 2018, review of the Funded Course List by Industry Advisory Groups resulted in the removal of more than 100 irrelevant qualifications and the addition of three qualifications that meet the needs of industry.

In 2018 IAGs worked with the Department of Education and Training to identify suitable qualifications and pathways for inclusion in the first pilot phase of the Head Start program. This new Victorian Government initiative gives secondary students the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship in conjunction with their completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Through IAGs, employers in different industry sectors were given the opportunity to participate in the delivery of the program.

IAGs have also provided advice on a range of Victorian Government initiatives, including:

• advice to the Department of Education and Training on:

– Skills First review

– priority courses for the Free TAFE initiative

• advice to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) on courses delivered through VET programs for secondary students

• advice to the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) on the:

– status of apprenticeship and traineeship delivery via Approved Training Schemes

– appropriate titling of trades to support the re-introduction of trade papers.

OutcomesThe work of the Commissioner as an independent voice reporting directly to the Minister for Training and Skills has continued to inspire confidence among employers that their views are being heard. The willing engagement of industry representatives in OVSC activities continues to deliver valuable outcomes for the training system in Victoria.

1. Supporting the implementation of Victorian Government initiatives in career education, VET programs for secondary students, apprenticeships and traineeships and funded course delivery through the provision of targeted industry intelligence.

2. Facilitating industry access to the Workforce Training Innovation Fund and Regional and Specialist Training Fund through awareness raising and support for proposal development.

3. Continuing to support and enable the use of industry demand data to inform government investment in training decisions.

Appendix 1 lists industry enterprises and organisations, and education and training stakeholders, that engaged with the OVSC in 2018.


The Industry Engagement Framework: Project outcomesThe Industry Engagement Framework supports project work to ensure that the training system meets the needs of industry. This includes activity under the Victorian Government’s Workforce Training Innovation Fund and the Regional and Specialist Training Fund which work with industry and training providers to improve training outcomes and increase the relevance of training to industry and employers.

In addition, specific Sector Advisory Groups are established by IAGs as necessary to enable industry to consider whether new training products will best meet the needs of their sector. In 2018, these considerations resulted in the development of several new accredited courses.

Accredited courses provide qualifications that meet an immediate or a specific local need more quickly than the development of qualifications within national training packages. They do not seek to duplicate the national system, but to support Victorian industry in areas where there is an identified skills gap.

Work in 2018 continued the work done by Sector Advisory Groups in 2017 to support the renewable energy sector which saw the development of a Course in New Energy Technology Systems. This is an important area of activity which requires consideration of skilling and training needs for industry now and into the future. Two further courses were developed to support the renewable energy sector in 2018:

• Course in Design and Installation of Grid Connected Renewable Energy Systems 30kVA to 200kVA

• Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry (in progress)

Course in Design and Installation of Grid Connected Renewable Energy Systems 30kVA to 200kVAThe Victorian Government’s renewable energy generation targets are encouraging the uptake and installation of large-scale renewable energy technology systems. However, there has been growing industry concern about the ability of the workforce to practically, safely and efficiently meet future demand.

The process for grid connection of large-scale renewable energy systems is complex and requires a workforce with significant knowledge of the technical requirements, but formally recognised training was not available. To address the training gap, the VSC brought together stakeholders from the renewable energy technology sector.

The resulting course provides upskilling for accredited installers and designers of domestic renewable energy systems, enabling them to upgrade their skills and knowledge to handle large-scale systems.

Successful completion of the course enables a graduate to apply to the Clean Energy Council for solar accreditation as a designer and/or installer of grid connected renewable energy generated systems from 30kVA up to 200kVA.

Course in Working Safely in the Solar IndustryVictoria is experiencing a rooftop solar boom and Victorian government incentives for the installation of solar water heaters will drive further demand. To ensure the safety of solar panel/water collector installers, industry stakeholders identified the need to develop and accredit a safety training course.

The VSC convened stakeholders from the plumbing and solar industries to advise on current and future industry needs. The resulting course addresses the work, health and safety knowledge and skill requirements for the solar industry to ensure that workers understand the required industry standards and the implications of safety hazards that may arise in the workplace.

On completion of the course, participants will have the skills and knowledge to install solar panel/water collector systems, work safely on roofs, work safely at heights, and identify and report asbestos.

During 2018, Sector Advisory Groups worked with the OVSC to develop the following new training products:

• Diploma of Project Management for Prefabricated Building Systems (Timber)

• Course in Onsite Installation of Prefabricated Building Systems (Timber)

• Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry (in progress)

• Course in Structural Bolt Installation and Tensioning (in progress)

• Course in Safe Working Practices with High Voltage Underground Cables (in progress)

• Course in Introduction to Bio Manufacturing (in progress)

• Certificate II in Bio Manufacturing (in progress)

• Certificate III in Bio Manufacturing (in progress)

• Certificate IV in Bio Manufacturing (in progress)


Regional Skills Demand Profiles: Informing and strengthening regional communitiesRegional Skills Demand Profiles, initiated by the VSC, are important economic and social planning tools for regional communities. The profiles provide a snapshot of a region’s current labour market and its projected skill development needs that allows local education and training providers to align their courses and vocational training activities with the needs of local industry. Better alignment of education and training can help to address areas of skill shortage and raise local productivity and prosperity. By enabling young people to access training and employment opportunities locally, the profiles also build and strengthen regional communities.

Mallee regionThe Mallee Regional Skills Demand Profile was the first to be developed by the OVSC. Since its 2017 launch, the profile has stimulated significant regional activity and ongoing commitment from employers and education and training providers.

During 2018, the Mallee Regional Skills Demand Profile was distributed to more than 800 regional stakeholders and was the subject of presentations to more than 30 key industry, business, local government and business development groups. Throughout this period, the profile inspired a range of education and training initiatives to address identified regional needs.

Skill shortages and thin markets in agribusiness are being addressed through:

• a partnership between SuniTAFE and local apprenticeship and traineeship provider SMGT, to pilot 40 horticultural cadetships targeting school leavers in Mildura, Robinvale and Swan Hill

• SuniTAFE activity in the Robinvale region to pilot the Certificate IV in Agribusiness

• SuniTAFE’s use of the Regional and Specialist Training Fund to deliver accredited training to 82 horticultural workers from the Robinvale region.

Other new initiatives have delivered pre-employment programs for the transport and logistics industry through cadetships for school leavers, and electrical apprenticeships to address skill shortages in solar industries.

The quickest and most efficient way to tackle skill shortages is to keep local kids interested in the region and ensure they understand that there are a variety of jobs available to them.Neil Coulson, VSC

A series of career videos launched in August 2018 were also developed out of a need identified through the Mallee Regional Skills Taskforce chaired by the VSC in 2017. The videos encourage schools, students, parents and employers to rethink skills-based careers.

Links to the videos were distributed to education and training providers throughout the region and are available on the VSC website.

Local apprentices and employers joined the Victorian Skills Commissioner (left) at Mildura Senior College to launch a series of career videos, which were formulated off the back of the Mallee Regional Skills Taskforce.

Mildura (RC)

Swan Hill(RC)

Buloke (S)

Gannawarra(S)

Ouyen

Birchip

Wycheproof

CharltonDonald

Swan HIll

KerangCohuna

Sea Lake

Mildura

Robinvale

Murrayville

Underbool

Boundary Bend

Manangatang

Nyah

Quambatook


Great South Coast regionIn 2018, the OVSC continued its engagement with regional Victoria by convening a Regional Skills Taskforce in Victoria’s Great South Coast region. The focus of the taskforce was on the skilling needs of the region encompassing the city of Warrnambool and the surrounding shires of Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Moyne and Corangamite.

The taskforce met to compare available data, share knowledge of planned investments in the region and identify future industry skills demand. The resulting Regional Skills Demand Profile is informed by deep local knowledge and insights from all major sectors of the local economy.

Industry-specific roundtables were held throughout the region to source intelligence from stakeholders in:

• agriculture

• aquaculture

• construction

• healthcare and social assistance

• horticulture

• hospitality and tourism

• manufacturing

• retail

• transport, logistics and automotive.

The Great South Coast Regional Skills Demand Profile provides a guide and includes steps for future action to help build regional workforce skilling. With support from the VSC, a Great South Coast Advisory Group has been established to monitor the Regional Skills Demand Profile and support ongoing industry engagement.

I want to stress that these Regional Skills Taskforces are not fly-in fly-out exercises. They are sustainable support mechanisms that provide information that drives action to support the future workforce of the region.Neil Coulson, VSC

Targeted workforce skilling solutions that have already commenced as a result of the Regional Skills Demand Profile include:

• Yumbah Aquiculture – Certificate III in Aquaculture delivered through South West TAFE to support training and induction programs for the company’s abalone and seafood production at Narrawong

• Keppel Prince Engineering – Development of courses to support the up-skilling of South West TAFE staff members in the delivery of training in non-destructive testing in order to meet the requirements of ISO 9712

• Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory – Certificate III and IV in Food Processing to support workforce development for the local dairy producers

• The OVSC collaborated with Lyndoch Living to pilot an accredited NDIS skill set in the Great South Coast to ensure that new workers are NDIS ready on workforce entry.

Additionally, a series of eight career videos has been developed to highlight the many vocational pathways open to local residents of all ages in the region. The videos aim to increase productivity and boost the local economy by raising awareness of skill requirements, and link local people to local jobs and opportunities with regional employers.

Victorian Skills Commissioner, Neil Coulson (centre) celebrates the launch of the Regional Skills Demand Profile: The Great South Coast with local political and industry leaders at Keppel Prince Engineering in Portland.

SouthernGrampians

Corangamite

Warrnambool

Glenelg

Moyne


OutcomesRegional Skills Demand Profiles and the collaborative work of Regional Skills Taskforces have produced a wide range of valuable outcomes that will benefit workforce skills and productivity in Victoria’s regions.

1. Publication of Regional Skills Demand Profile: A comprehensive evidence-based, industry-validated report containing critical insights into the skills and training needs of the Great South Coast region’s industries, now and in the future.

2. Tailored provision of training for regional industry inspired by the work of Regional Skills Taskforces in the Mallee and Great South Coast regions.

3. Production of careers videos to raise awareness of regional workforce and training opportunities in the Mallee and Great South Coast regions.

Appendix 1 lists Regional Skills Taskforce meetings and membership.


Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce: Raising awareness and generating changeThe report of the Victorian Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce was launched by the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Training and Skills, on 27 November 2017. The report, Rebalance and Relaunch: Supporting Victoria’s economy by enhancing apprenticeship and traineeship pathways as a mechanism for skilling the future workforce, included a series of recommended actions to rebalance the apprenticeship and traineeship system in Victoria and relaunch it as a key mechanism to skill the future workforce.

The report found that while the value of apprenticeships has been diminished, government can partner with industry to rebuild the role of apprenticeships and traineeships in workforce skilling by strengthening mechanisms to identify employer and industry demand, and by exploring high value traineeship opportunities in growth sectors. The report’s recommendations focused on the need for:

• using quality demand data to inform decision-making

• building a culture of co-investment in apprenticeships and traineeships through targeted pilots with industry

• renewing a focus on quality through proactive programs and improved training materials

• elevating the status of apprenticeships and traineeships through convincing public campaigns.

Activity on these initiatives commenced in 2018 with the OVSC and IAGs contributing to the identification of areas to focus initial resource development activity and assessment pilots. Through this work employers in the future will be able to have greater confidence in the work readiness and proficiency of completing apprentices.

Growing your own workforce through the apprenticeship system will be a strategic investment for employers in coming years.Neil Coulson, Victorian Skills Commissioner

Additionally, many of the broader VET system initiatives being introduced by the Victorian Government are in line with the direction of the taskforce recommendations. These include $49.8 million for the Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships initiative to give secondary school students the opportunity to begin their trade at school, and $25.9 million to improve the quality of secondary vocational pathways.

The Victorian Government has invested $100 million in career education. New approaches to career education in schools will create closer connections between school and industry, and will help link VET pathways to labour market demand and career opportunities. Career education that emphasises the value of VET will help to ensure that schools are delivering pathways that are better aligned with the Victorian labour market. Advice from IAGs on the value and purpose of industry qualifications will inform the future development of careers advice under the new approaches.

Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP and the Victorian Skills Commissioner, Neil Coulson (right) joined apprentices to celebrate the re-introduction of Trade Papers at Kangan Institute.


Influence, interdepartmental cooperation and advice

Family Violence projectIn 2018 the OVSC participated in an Industry Taskforce hosted by Family Safety Victoria. The OVSC was also engaged in taskforce subgroups focused on developing qualifications and determining how best to implement them. Engagement will continue in this area into 2019 to support the identification of required workforce skills and skilling solutions.

National Disability Insurance SchemeIn 2017 and 2018 the OVSC worked with the NDIS Workforce Development Reform Steering Committee hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services to address workforce skill needs. In consultation with industry, the OVSC developed an accredited course designed to provide an initial point of entry to people wanting to build a career in the emerging NDIS market.

The resulting course, 22469VIC Course in Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, was accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) on 23 April 2018. It targets individuals with no prior experience in the disability sector, and provides a career opportunity for women returning to work as well as other workers transitioning into this field.

Five highly successful implementation sessions for the course were held at TAFEs across Victoria in 2018. The sessions gave TAFE staff the opportunity to consider course resources and ask questions about its implementation. The OVSC has also worked with the Regional TAFE Alliance to support the development of a Moodle version of the course.

Cooperation with the Department of Education and TrainingThe OVSC and the Department of Education and Training work closely, bringing together the Department’s responsibility for the delivery of vocational education and training and the OVSC’s capability to engage directly with industry and advise the Minister on priorities.

National representation The Commissioner is the Victorian Government’s appointee to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), which enables him to contribute an informed industry view from a Victorian perspective to the implementation of national VET policies, and approval of nationally recognised training packages.

These new initiatives have been informed by the ongoing industry engagement work of the OVSC and demonstrate the value of the Commissioner’s role connecting industry experience and intelligence with government actions in the education and training system. Throughout 2018 the VSC spoke with many industry and employer groups about the findings and directions emerging from the report of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce. These conversations confirmed and reinforced the original findings of the taskforce, demonstrating demand for a renewed focus on quality and support for raising the profile of apprenticeships and traineeships with young people, schools and the broader community.

See Appendix 1 for VSC speaking engagements in 2018.

OutcomesAlthough the formal work of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce was completed in 2017, the VSC has continued to share the taskforce’s findings and recommendations throughout 2018. The Rebalance and Relaunch report has had a significant impact on the understanding of key issues by government and industry stakeholders and continues to inform policy and program decisions.

1. Report findings and recommendations informed government initiatives to modernise apprenticeships and traineeships through a $44 million investment, including:

• developing new, quality training materials

• piloting approaches to independent final assessment

• reintroducing trade papers.

2. Report publication and dissemination provided an opportunity for the VSC to initiate discussions with employers and industry stakeholders about apprenticeships and traineeships and to raise awareness of their role in the training system.

The Victorian Skills Commissioner discussing manufacturing skills and opportunities on stage at Parliament House in Canberra with Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden.


Work with government agenciesThroughout 2018 the OVSC worked with a range of government agencies to coordinate the training system in line with Victorian Government economic policies. Information sharing and collaboration with diverse government agencies provides the Commissioner with a broad perspective on Victoria’s future skill needs and challenges.

In 2018, the Commissioner engaged with:

• Australian Industry and Skills Committee

• Australian Skills Quality Authority

• Creative Victoria

• Victorian Department of Education and Training

• Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

• Department of Health and Human Services

• Department of Premier and Cabinet

• Department of Treasury and Finance

• Local Jobs First

• Office of the Victorian Chief Engineer

• Regional Development Victoria

• STEM Future Industries Advisory Panel

• Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

• Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority

Future activityIn 2019 the OVSC will continue to leverage the established Industry Engagement Framework to ensure that the training system in Victoria benefits from direct industry insight. It will continue to act as a conduit for industry advice on workforce development needs to inform the funded course list and to support the implementation of initiatives, including Free TAFE, the reintroduction of trade papers, and the development of independent approaches to assessment.

The OVSC will continue to ensure that validated data is used to support and inform training investment decisions, including by exploring how information gathered through student surveys can provide richer data on the relevance of training provision to employment outcomes.

The OVSC will continue to advocate for improvements to the Victorian apprenticeship and traineeship system, as outlined in the 2017 Rebalance and Relaunch report. Industry insights will be used in ongoing work with the VRQA to ensure that Approved Training Schemes reflect relevant apprenticeship and traineeship pathways. Ongoing support for the Head Start program will also ensure direct industry engagement in the roll-out of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for secondary students.

The work of the Regional Skills Taskforces will continue to identify regional demand for skills and identify opportunities for targeted training solutions that meet the needs of local employers. Through engagement with representatives from industry sectors and regions, the OVSC will ensure that Victorian industry continues to benefit from access to the Workforce Training Innovation Fund and the Regional and Specialist Training Fund.

In its role as a key facilitator of taskforces on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and family violence, the OVSC will continue to support the identification and development of workforce development responses that enable the provision of essential community support services and valued social outcomes.

The Victorian Skills Commissioner, Neil Coulson (second from left) joined the Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP (fifth from left) at the launch of the of the Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) course, which was developed by industry and employers with the Victorian Skills Commissioner in response to jobs growth in the disability sector.


Appendix 1: Stakeholder engagement

Engagement with organisations and industry enterprisesDuring 2018 the OVSC met formally with representatives of the following enterprises and organisations.

Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Council

Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors' Association

Alcoa Portland Aluminium Smelter

Ambulance Victoria

Appselec

Arboriculture Australia Ltd

Arts Industry Council Victoria

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (Vic)

Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association

Australasian Fire and Emergncy Service Authority Council

Australasian Railway Asociation

Australasian Security Industry Association Ltd

Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering

Australian and New Zealand Pulp and Paper Industry - VIC

Australian Association of Floral Designers

Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation

Australian Camps Association

Australian Community Workers Association

Australian Dental Prosthetists Association

Australian Digital and Telecommunications Industry Association

Australian Education Union

Australian Energy Council

Australian Forest Contractors Association

Australian Foundry

Australian Funeral Directors Association

Australian Furniture Association – Victoria

Australian Glass and Glazing Association

Australian Hotels Association

Australian Industry Group

Australian Industry and Skills Committee

Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited - VIC

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union

Australian Meat Industry Employers Union

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation

Australian Paper

Australian Retailers Association

Australian Services Union

Australian Skills Quality Authority

Australian Steel Institute

Australian Veterinary Association

Automotive Supplier Excellence Australia

Aviation/Aerospace Australia

Baking Association of Australia

Boating Industry Association of Victoria

Building Designers Association Victoria

BusVic

Cabinet Makers and Designers Association

Caravan Industry Association of Australia

Carpet Institute of Australia Limited

Cemeteries & Crematoria of Victoria

Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia

Chemistry Australia

Civil Contractors Federation

Clean Energy Council

Committee for Economic Development of Australia

Community and Public Sector Union

Community Child Care Victoria

Community Clubs Victoria

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union

Creative Victoria

Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources

Department of Education and Training

Department of Health and Human Services

Department of Justice and Regulation (Corrections)

Department of Premier and Cabinet

Department of Treasury and Finance

Electrical Trades Union

Energy Safe Victoria

Engineers Australia

Facility Management Association

Farm Safe Victoria

Financial Services Union

FLSmidth

Food Processing Victoria

Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association – VIC

Franchise Council of Australia

Games Developers Association Australia Vic Division

Gippsland Solar

Guiding Organisation Australia

Hair & Beauty Industry Association

Health and Community Services Union

Health Workers Union

Housing Industry Association

Information Technology Industry Training Co.

Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers

International Association of Equine Dentistry – VIC

Keppel Prince Engineering

Landscape Industry Association of Victoria

Landscaping Victoria

Leading Aged Services Australia


Level Crossing Removal Authority

Lifesaving Victoria

Local Jobs First

Major Transport Infrastructure Program

Maritime Union of Australia

Master Builders Association of Victoria

Master Painters Association of Victoria

Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Mental Health Australia

Metro Trains

Metroll Rollforming

Minerals Council of Australia

MINTRAC

Municipal Association of Victoria

Music Victoria

National Disability Insurance Scheme

National Disability Services Victoria

National Electrical and Communications Association

National Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers’ Association

National Union of Workers

Northern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network

Nous Group

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria

Office of the Victorian Chief Engineer

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

PF Olsen

Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Physical Activity Australia (Victorian Branch)

Plumbing Trades Emploees Union

Port of Portland

Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel

Premier’s Jobs Partnership Summit

Professionals Australia

Property Council of Australia

PwC’s Skills for Australia

Racing Victoria

Rail Contractors Group

Rail, Tram and Bus Union

Real Estate Institute of Victoria

Regional Development Victoria

Restaurant and Catering Industry Association of Australia

Rural Councils Victoria

Seafood Industry Victoria

Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association

Skylight Industry Association Incorporated

Solar Victoria

South West Trades and Labour Council

Specialised Textiles Association – Victoria

Sports Turf Association

STEM Future Industries Advisory Panel

Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia

Telstra Franchise Group

The Police Association of Victoria

Timber Merchants Association

Transport Workers Union (Vic/Tas Branch)

TW Power Services Pty Ltd

United Dairy Farmers Victoria

United Firefighters Union

United Voice

Urban Development Institute of Australia – Victorian Division

Veterinary Nursing Council of Australia, Victorian Branch

Vic Printing Industries Association

Victoria Police

Victoria State Emergency Service

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

Victorian Association of Forest Industries

Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce

Victorian Caravan Parks Association

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Victorian Council of Social Service

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Victorian Farmers Federation

Victorian Golf Course Association

Victorian Healthcare Association Ltd

Victorian Public Sector Commission

Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority

Victorian Tourism Industry Council

Victorian Trades Hall Council

Victorian Transport Association

VicWater

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory

Weld Australia

Welding Technology Institute of Australia

WestVic Dairy

Women in Transport

Yumbah Aquaculture


Education and training stakeholder engagementDuring 2018 the OVSC met formally with representatives of the following education and training organisations.

Apprenticeship Employment Network

Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering

Australian Council for Private Education and Training

Box Hill Institute

Chisholm Institute

Holmesglen

Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers – Victoria

Kangan Institute

Melbourne Polytechnic

Northern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network

RMIT University

South West TAFE

SuniTAFE

The Gordon Institute of TAFE

VET Development Centre

Victorian TAFE Association


William Angliss Institute

Presentations and speaking engagementsDuring 2018 the VSC presented at the following events.

January 2018:

TAFE Network Leaders Forum

February 2018:

South Australia Training and Skills Commission planning session

March 2018:

Northern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network Annual General Meeting

April 2018:

Civil Contractors Federation Awards

SuniTAFE World Café

May 2018:

Melbourne Polytechnic Board Presentation

June 2018:

Caravan Industry Emerging Leader Program

National Manufacturing Summit

TAFE Council of CEOs

Apprentice Employment Network 2018 Conference

July 2018:

Victorian Development Centre Thought Leader Seminar

August 2018:

Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors' Association Annual Industry Training Achievement Awards

Victorian Training Awards

Mallee Region’s Career Videos Launch

September 2018:

Building Industry Consultative Council

Victorian Water Industry Association Conference

Box Hill TAFE Board Meeting

Re-introduction of trade papers for Victorian apprentices launch

October 2018:

Great South Coast Region’s Careers Videos Launch

Higher Education and Skills Staff Forum

November 2018:

Great South Coast Regional Skills Demand Profile Launch

IAG meetings and membershipDuring 2018 the OVSC convened regular meetings of each IAG.

Community and Health Services

Meetings:

7 March 2018

23 May 2018

24 September 2018

21 November 2018

Participants:

Ambulance Victoria

Australian Community Workers Association

Australian Dental Prosthetists Association

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation


Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare

Community and Public Sector Union Victoria

Community Child Care Victoria

Health and Community Services Union

Health Workers Union

Leading Aged Services Australia (VIC)

Mental Health Victoria

National Disability Services Victoria

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

Victorian Council of Social Service

Victorian Healthcare Association Ltd


Primary Industriesincluding Agriculture and Rural Production, Food and Fibre, Horticulture, Animal Care and Management, Racing, Conservation and Land Management, and Seafood and Aquaculture

Meetings:

9 April 2018

1 June 2018

8 October 2018

30 November 2018

Participants:

Arboriculture Australia Ltd


Australian Meat Industry Employers Union


Australian Veterinary Association

Australian Workers Union

Baking Association of Australia

Farm Safe Victoria

Food Processing Victoria

International Association of Equine Dentists

Landscape Industry Association of Victoria

MINTRAC


Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria

Racing Victoria

Seafood Industry Victoria

Sports Turf Association

United Dairy Farmers Victoria

Veterinary Nursing Council of Australia, Victorian Branch

Victorian Farmers Federation

Victorian Golf Course Superintendents Association

Business Servicesincluding Financial Services, Professional Services, Property Services, Education (including International Education), IT, Printing and Graphic Arts, Cultural and related industries

Meetings:

2 March 2018

18 June 2018

17 September 2018

12 December 2018

Participants:

Arts Industry Council Victoria

Australasian Security Industry Association Ltd (VIC)

Australian Digital and Telecommunications Industry Association

Australian Education Union (VIC)



Building Designers Association Victoria

Communications and Information Technology Industry Training Co

Facility Management Association

Financial Services Union

Games Developers Association Australia (VIC)

Music Victoria

Professionals Australia

Property Council of Australia (VIC)

Real Estate Institute of Victoria

Vic Printing Industries Association


Electrotechnology, Electricity Generation and Supply, Gas Supply and New Energy Technology

Meetings:

14 March 2018

28 May 2018

1 October 2018

26 November 2018

Participants:

Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors’ Association

Australian Energy Council

Clean Energy Council

Electrical Trades Union

Energy Safe Victoria

National Electrical and Communications Association

National Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers’ Association

Transport and Logisticsincluding Aviation, Road Transport, Rail, Maritime, Ports and Warehousing

Meetings:

11 April 2018

13 June 2018

10 December 2018

Participants:

Australasian Railway Association

Aviation / Aerospace Australia

BusVic

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia

Maritime Union of Australia


Rail, Tram and Bus Union

Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia

Transport Workers Union (VIC/TAS Branch)


Victorian Transport Association

Women in Transport


Constructionincluding Construction Technologies and Civil Construction

Meetings:

9 March 2018

25 May 2018

26 September 2018

23 November 2018

Participants:

Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors’ Association of Victoria Ltd

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (VIC)

Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation

Australian Workers’ Union

Civil Contractors Federation (Victorian Branch)

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union

Housing Industry Association

Master Builders Association of Victoria

Master Painters Association of Victoria

Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia

Plumbing Trades Employees Union

Manufacturing and Engineeringincluding Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Transport Technology, Defence Technology, Furnishing, Textiles, Clothing and Footwear

Meetings:

16 March 2018

30 May 2018

3 October 2018

28 November 2018

Participants:

Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre

Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering

Australian Foundry Institute

Australian Furniture Association

Australian Glass and Glazing Association


Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (VIC)



Automotive Supplier Excellence Australia

Aviation / Aerospace Australia

Cabinet Makers and Designers Association

Caravan Industry Association of Australia

Carpet Institute of Australia Limited

Chemistry Australia

Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (VIC)


Specialised Textiles Association (VIC)



Victorian Trades Hall Council


Resources, Forestry, Pulp and Paper

Meetings:

5 April 2018

7 June 2018

5 December 2018

Participants:

Australian and New Zealand Pulp and Paper Industry (VIC)

Australian Forest Contractors Association

Australian Forest Growers (VIC)

Australian Manufacturer Workers Union (Printing Division)

CFMEU – Forestry and Furnishing Products Division (Victorian Division)

Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (VIC)

Minerals Council of Australia

Timber Merchants Association

Victorian Association of Forest Industries


Meetings:

6 April 2018

31 May 2018

18 September 2018

3 December 2018

Participants:

Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council


Department of Justice and Regulation (Corrections)

Life Saving Victoria

Municipal Association of Victoria

The Police Association of Victoria

United Firefighters Union

Victoria Police

Victoria State Emergency Service

Victorian Public Sector Commission

VicWater


Servicesincluding Retail, Tourism, Travel, Personal Services, Sport, Fitness and Recreation

Meetings:

26 March 2018

19 June 2018

25 September 2018

7 December 2018

Participants:

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria

Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association

Australian Association of Floral Designers

Australian Camps Association

Australian Funeral Directors Association

Australian Hotels Association

Australian Retailers Association

Boating Industry Association of Victoria

Cemeteries and Crematoria of Victoria

Community Clubs Victoria

Franchise Council of Australia

Guiding Organisations Australia

Hair and Beauty Industry Association

Physical Activity Australia (Victorian Branch)

Restaurant and Catering Industry Association of Australia

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association

United Voice

Victorian Caravan Parks Association

Victorian Tourism Industry Council

Regional Taskforce meetings and membership

Great South Coast

Meetings:

16 April, Portland

14 May, Hamilton

12 October, Warrnambool

19 December, Warrnambool (2017)

Participants:

Callaghan Motors

Keppel Prince Engineering

Lyndoch Living

Mpower

PF Olsen

Port of Portland

Porthaul

Portland Aluminium

Rodger Construction

South West Trades and Labour Council

South West Healthcare

Telstra Franchise Group

TW Power Services

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory

Warrnambool City Council

Westvic Dairy

Yumbah Aquaculture

Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner

Level 1, 21 Degraves Street Melbourne VIC, 3000

PO Box 354, Flinders Lane VIC, 8009

T: (03) 8892 1602 E: [email protected]

www.vsc.vic.gov.au

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Connecting industry with skills - VSC€¦ · Connecting industry with skills ... meeting workforce training needs and boosting employee productivity ... lead to jobs and skills development