In an exciting announcement at the ITEC23 Conference, Professor Peter Dawkins, Director of Jobs and Skills Australia, revealed the establishment of ten innovative Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs). These councils are set to transform workforce planning and industry engagement across various sectors, paving the way for a more prosperous and skilful Australia.
Addressing Industry Needs
The JSCs will act as industry-owned and industry-led organisations, forming a national network focused on enhancing system responsiveness and driving high-quality outcomes for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, learners, and businesses. Each council will cater to specific industries, recognising their unique demands and challenges.
Industry-Specific JSCs
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Agribusiness
A new entity, Skills Insight, has been established. The Agribusiness Council will encompass primary production industries, such as plants and animals, textiles, clothing and footwear, forestry, timber, and furnishing. Additionally, it will cover emerging sectors like natural resources security and environmental management, shaping a more sustainable future.
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Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism, and Hospitality
A new entity, SkillsEquipped, will be established by the Australian Retailers Association. This council will cater to the ‘high street’ human services, including hairdressing, floristry, travel, and hospitality. Moreover, it will embrace the vibrant creative economy, encompassing fine arts, ceramics, music, dance, theatre, and screen. The emerging industry of online sales will also fall under this council’s purview.
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Energy, Gas, and Renewables
The Powering Skills Organisation will focus on electricity, gas, renewable energy, and energy storage industries. It will also explore resources used in energy production, with a particular emphasis on emerging sectors like hydrogen.
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Finance, Technology, and Business
A new entity will be established by the Digital Skills Organisation that will serve the needs of successful businesses by covering professional services like marketing, accounting, human resources, digital literacy, and information and communication technologies. It will also incorporate emerging industries such as cyber security, financial technologies, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
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Manufacturing
The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance will oversee manufacturing and engineering industries, including light manufacturing sectors like pharmaceuticals, print, food, and advanced manufacturing. It will actively engage with emerging areas such as defence and space technologies.
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Mining and Automotive
A new entity, Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, has been established. This council will focus on industries involved in mineral exploration, extraction operations, and automotive sectors. It will also keep a close eye on emerging technologies, specifically driverless automotive advancements.
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Transport and Logistics
The newly established Industry Skills Australia will encompass warehousing and distribution operations, as well as various transportation modes like rail, maritime, aviation, and logistical support. It will proactively explore emerging areas like omnichannel logistics and distribution, air and space transport, and logistics.
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Public Safety and Government
The Public Skills Australia will directly support public service industries, including local government, police, corrective services, and public safety organisations.
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Early Educators, Health, and Human Services
The HumanAbility will focus on industries that provide community services and support, such as aged care, disability services, mental health, early childhood education, health, sport, and recreation services.
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Building, Construction, and Property
This council will encompass industries offering property services, small or large-scale construction services, traditional building, and large-scale civil infrastructure services.
Collaboration for Success
The JSCs will collaborate with Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) to align workforce planning for their respective sectors. By combining industry-specific intelligence with JSA’s forecasting and modelling, these councils will play a crucial role in identifying job roles, skill requirements, and training pathways necessary to meet Australia’s workforce needs.
The establishment of the Jobs and Skills Councils marks a significant shift in industry engagement within the VET sector. With their national network and industry-led approach, these councils are poised to revolutionise workforce planning, enhance collaboration between industry and training providers, and address the pressing issue of skill shortages. As Australia faces one of its greatest economic challenges, the JSCs promise to ensure that the country has a skilled workforce equipped to meet industry demands and secure a prosperous future. To learn more about the sector coverage of each council, the detailed outline published by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) provides comprehensive information.
