Chair of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), Mr John Pollaers, met today in Sydney with the Chairs of the new Industry Reference Committees. “These new committees are the backbone of Australia’s Vocational Education Training System. The Chairs represent industries right across the Australian economy” Mr Pollaers said.
“They are a powerful group, ready to execute change and build on the strengths of Australia’s training system.”
“Participants in today’s meeting, and those in yesterday’s meeting in Melbourne, were impressive, not only with their breadth of knowledge about industry and workforce issues, but also in their commitment to taking up the opportunities and challenges presented by the new arrangements for training package development” Mr Pollaers said.
Mr Pollaers met with the Chairs of the Industry Reference Committees as he continues to consolidate the new arrangements, designed to strengthen training package development. Under the new arrangements, Industry Reference Committees will drive the training package development process, with a direct role in decision making.
The new decision making role of the Industry Reference Committees will be supported by independent, professional Skills Service Organisations.
Mr Pollaers said that the professionalism of Chairs of these committees indicates that the system is already underpinned by a strong network of expert, industry-based advisory committees. “Existing committees have made a huge contribution to the training system and will be critical to the success of the new arrangements” Mr Pollaers said.
Mr Pollaers said that the AISC is looking forward to working with Industry Reference Committees over the coming months and years to ensure the new arrangements are a success, and provide industry with the skilled workers it needs.
Further information about the Australian Industry and Skills Committee is available at www.education.gov.au/AISC.
John Pollaers | email: aiscsecretariat@education.gov.au