News

Skills Commissioner brings 'earning and learning' message

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:52:00

Victoria’s Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson will use a keynote speech in Mildura next week to highlight the importance to the region’s future of “earning and learning” pathways for young people.

Mr Coulson is the special guest of the Northern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network (Northern Mallee LLEN) at its annual general meeting next Thursday.
Northern Mallee LLEN chair Fiona Harley said the Commissioner’s address would expand on the implications of his recent report, “Skills Demand Profile of the Mallee”, developed in partnership with industry and with the support of Northern Mallee LLEN.
“The report was something of a wake-up call for our region in terms of the extent of the challenges and opportunities we face,” Ms Harley said.
“It highlighted for the first time the emerging ‘skills gap’ we have, which is fuelled by investment in horticulture, solar and other industries,” she said.
“As a region, we’ll require between 2900 and 4400 new workers by 2020 to support growth and replace retirees, and we really need to shift our thinking as a community to manage that effectively.”
Mr Coulson said he hoped his address would provoke schools, students, parents and employers to re-think their perceptions relating to skills-based careers.
“Students are not always aware of the opportunities in their own backyard,” Mr Coulson said.
“Negative attitudes to ‘earn and learn pathways’ and alarmist predictions about technology replacing skilled labour have over-valued higher education and lowered the prestige of VET,” he said.
“That’s despite VET having a far more certain path to employment than many university degrees.
“Now is the time to re-assert the value of skills-based student streams such as VET and to emphasise the central role skills play in powering our economy and establishing young people in vibrant careers.”
Mr Coulson said his message would also be about the need for a close partnership between schools, industry and organisations such as Northern Mallee LLEN.
“The forecast growth for the Mallee region is significant but the workforce must be available to realise that potential,” Mr Coulson said.
“My message to all stakeholders is that this can be done only when skills training aligns with industry demand. Without a culture of co-investment which supports employers and continued growth in the workforce, economic progress in the Mallee could stall.”
The Northern Mallee LLEN 2018 Annual General Meeting will be at the Sunryaisa Institute of TAFE Auditorium, Benetook Ave, Mildura at 4pm on Thursday 22 March. 
All are welcome to attend, but registration is essential and can be made by contacting NMLLEN at sam@nmllen.com.au or phone 5021 3266.