NATIONAL resource employer group AREEA has joined with the federal government to represent the skills needs of the mining, oil and gas and allied sectors as a member of the advisory committee leading reform to Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system.

Launched yesterday by Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane, the advisory committee will lead reforms in the VET sector aimed at supporting employment growth by better meeting the skills needs of Australian business.

Ending the ‘era of training for training’s sake’, Mr Macfarlane said stakeholders had made it clear that ‘one size fits all’ regulation no longer fits the bill for training initiatives.

“In recent years the skills and training system has become complex and bogged down in red tape,” Minister Macfarlane said.

“Our skills and training system must be sophisticated, flexible and reflect what industry needs to ensure our national training system is streamlined, efficient and effective.

“By making targeted and strategic reforms in this sector we will lay the platform for enhanced productivity, jobs growth and greater prosperity for industry and the Australian economy.”

The reform agenda comprises six reform objectives, approved by the Council of Australian Governments Industry and Skills Council, which cover:

• streamlining governance arrangements and ensuring industry oversight;
• qualifications that are flexible and meet industry needs;
• trade apprenticeships that are valued and utilised by both employers and individuals;
• responsive and fair regulation;
• better information for consumers; and
• better targeting of funding.

AREEA executive director Tara Diamond, who will represent AREEA on the advisory committee, said the resource industry’s involvement in the VET reform process would be of great benefit to Australia’s economy.

“Many of Australia’s mega-resource projects are making the transition from the construction phase to long-term production and exports, signalling an evolution in skills demands across the mining, oil and gas sectors,” she said.

“Equipping our training sector to meet these new skills demands will ensure the longevity of Australia’s resource sector and allow us to provide long-term employment and upskilling opportunities to a wide number of Australians.

“AREEA, on behalf of its membership, is proud to be a part of the VET reform initiative and looks forward to working with the Australian Government and other business community stakeholders to aid in the development of a more flexible and effective training system.”

For more information about the VET reform process and how the federal government is working toward its six objectives, click here.