The vocational education and training (VET) system in New South Wales is in need of a significant overhaul, according to a year-long examination of the system. The review found that students are struggling for access, leading to high drop-out rates, and providers are suffering under fractured funding arrangements. This has highlighted the need for transformation in order to produce much-needed childcare workers, tradies, and other critical workforces for the state.
One of the key recommendations of the review is to shift away from market competition to government acting as a steward of the VET system. This would involve a better focus on students‘ needs and expanding the scheme that pays certain students to start, attend, and continue courses in critically needed areas. Completion rates for VET courses have remained under 50 percent since 2015, with rates in Victoria and NSW particularly low.
Michele Bruniges, the chair of the review, emphasized the importance of considering additional costs for students in regional areas, such as transportation, in order to engage the potential future workforce. She also highlighted the need for integration and united pathways between the university and training sectors to ensure that the future workforce has the necessary knowledge and skills.
NSW Skills Minister Steve Whan has backed the recommendations of the review, including the development of local plans to ensure that courses match the future needs of regional and state economies. Currently, teachers and providers hold sway over the course menu offered, but the focus should shift towards aligning courses with the industries that will be prevalent in the future.
Implementing the recommended changes will not be easy, but the review offers a range of options for small tweaks that could deliver significant gains. These include updates to prices, fees, and loadings in critical training areas, as well as improved wraparound support for students. The report, which fulfills a 2023 election promise, was the result of extensive consultation with regional communities, round-tables, a skills symposium, and discussions with over 1100 contributors from various sectors.
In conclusion, the recommended overhaul of the VET system in NSW is crucial for producing the skilled workforce needed for the future. By shifting the focus towards students‘ needs, aligning courses with industry demands, and providing better support for students, the VET system can be transformed to better serve the needs of the state. Tough decisions around funding priorities may be necessary, but the potential benefits of a revamped system are clear.