Smart and Skilled: making NSW number one
In October 2011, the NSW Government announced the start of a skills reform consultation process to develop a more highly skilled workforce and make NSW the number one economy in the country. Skills play an important role in boosting productivity and raising workforce participation, which are vital to economic growth.
In the future there will be more demand for highly skilled workers in NSW. We need to make sure that our workforce has the skills for these jobs, which is where our vocational education and training system plays a central role.
You can view the discussion paper 'Smart and Skilled- Making NSW Number One" here.
Update on Smart and Skilled
More than 600 people attended the 11 community consultations and over 100 submissions were lodged. Responses came from representatives of:
- public, community and private training providers
- industry, employers and unions
- community organisations
- government
- students.
The consultations sought views on five areas of how to:
- increase participation in vocational education and training
- target vocational education and training to business, industry and regional needs
- recognise the role and function of TAFE NSW as the public provider
- provide greater choice for individuals and employers
- improve completion rates in vocational education and training.
The consultations reflected many views about how reform could best achieve ambitions for the vocational education and training system.
The outcomes of the consultations are being analysed and the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling have been engaged to provide the Department with advice on options.
We anticipate that this work will be concluded early in 2012.
Written submissions
Written submissions are now closed. Thank you to those who made a submission.
If you have any questions about submissions, please contact Kate Johnston on 02 9266 8201 or email us at Submissions@det.nsw.edu.au
Community Consultations
Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation process.
During October we held eleven community consultations across New South Wales in Western Sydney (two), Sydney (two), Nowra, Dubbo, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Tamworth and Coffs Harbour.
You can view the consultation presentation here.
