Where will $300 million go in employment training?
Where will $300 million go in employment training?
by Rob Keogh | 21 April 2017
New visa arrangements are already in place to limit the jobs open to skilled workers, previously coming into Australia under 457 visas. ABC News reported this week, that the Government is expected to announce a $300 million training package in the May budget, to help ensure more Australians are capable of filling those jobs.
These changes herald movement within the Turnbull government to establish their credentials, in taking action on key issues of unemployment and under-employment, especially among younger eligible workers. Many will no-doubt be feeling a strong sense of déjà vu, but what will “an Australia-first job strategy” mean for the vocational education and training sector? Is your training institution ready for what might come your way?
Training institutions have recently experienced a turbulent time. The current news provides grounds for optimism, but whether rising or falling, continual changes in conditions and direction provide the very definition of turbulence. A strategic plan for survival and growth might be entitled “flexible scalability”.
No doubt all in the industry will be interested to see the detail. Recent history and the current environment perhaps provide an indication of what might be expected. If I were to bet on the future shape for funding for employment training in Australia, I would be planning for a framework of evidence-based performance requirements (as always). In the lead-up to an election cycle, words like “tough and rigorous measures,” will likely accompany new funding announcements. ASQA’s current “student experience” audit benchmarks, (previously referenced), will likely be “rigorously” implemented, supported by measures around “pathways to employment”.
The ideal operational structure for RTO's is agile and efficient. Able to deliver all training package requirements, with an eye on fixed cost commitments. Systems and transparency are critical. Not only is transparency a key element of the student experience audit requirement. It is essential for management planning, especially in times of expansion. Transparency is also important in marketing, showcasing quality experiences and outcomes. It will likely also be part of future funding packages.
These changes herald movement within the Turnbull government to establish their credentials, in taking action on key issues of unemployment and under-employment, especially among younger eligible workers. Many will no-doubt be feeling a strong sense of déjà vu, but what will “an Australia-first job strategy” mean for the vocational education and training sector? Is your training institution ready for what might come your way?
Training institutions have recently experienced a turbulent time. The current news provides grounds for optimism, but whether rising or falling, continual changes in conditions and direction provide the very definition of turbulence. A strategic plan for survival and growth might be entitled “flexible scalability”.
No doubt all in the industry will be interested to see the detail. Recent history and the current environment perhaps provide an indication of what might be expected. If I were to bet on the future shape for funding for employment training in Australia, I would be planning for a framework of evidence-based performance requirements (as always). In the lead-up to an election cycle, words like “tough and rigorous measures,” will likely accompany new funding announcements. ASQA’s current “student experience” audit benchmarks, (previously referenced), will likely be “rigorously” implemented, supported by measures around “pathways to employment”.
The ideal operational structure for RTO's is agile and efficient. Able to deliver all training package requirements, with an eye on fixed cost commitments. Systems and transparency are critical. Not only is transparency a key element of the student experience audit requirement. It is essential for management planning, especially in times of expansion. Transparency is also important in marketing, showcasing quality experiences and outcomes. It will likely also be part of future funding packages.
1 Comment
Hi Rob
Nice to see your view on how training may look in the future.
Feel free to contact me
Paul
0419449119