The Australian, Higher Education: Vocational training review must lead to broad overhaul

It has been some time since policies surrounding apprenticeships were in the headlines, but that could soon be about to change. During coming weeks and months, there is likely to be a great deal more public focus on ways of restoring the apprenticeship system as a central pillar of skills development, as well as a rewarding career choice for many young Australians. The first indication will come in the report from the federal government’s review of vocational education and training conducted by New Zealand’s former minister for tertiary education, skills and employment, Steven Joyce. When Scott Morrison announced the review last November, he said it would look at how Australian industry was “future-proofed” with a new generation of skilled workers, while also focusing on the skills people need when they leave school, as well as later in life. The review is a welcome step and, by all accounts, it has canvassed widely to gather views on a VET system that has had more than its share of challenges over the past decade.

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