Major Government review to boost VET in schools

A major review of Vocational Education and Training (VET) for School Students will focus on ways to increase the numbers of vocational pathways from school to employment, increase student demand for VET pathways and provide a supply of skilled workers to support the needs of South Australia’s industry.

The review addresses four key areas:

  • Perception – how can we elevate VET so that it becomes a valued option alongside university and other pathways
  • Access – what barriers prevent some student cohorts from accessing VET opportunities
  • Quality – how can we best ensure confidence in the quality of VET offered in schools; and
  • Relevance – ensuring VET in schools meet industry standards and delivers graduates with skills that are relevant for future employment.

A six-week consultation on the Government’s YourSAy website will provide the community with the opportunity to contribute to the review through written submissions or an online survey. The feedback received will support targeted engagement with industry.

A recent report from the Training and Skills Commission highlights that around 247,000 qualifications will need to be delivered to meet the skills requirements of South Australian businesses over the next five years, and 82% of the occupations forecast to have the highest growth over the coming years will need VET qualifications rather than a bachelor degree.

Education Minister John Gardner said it is a more crucial time than ever to strengthen vocational pathways in secondary schools and make them a valued first choice option.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is strongly focused on expanding the number of vocational pathway options in schools, increasing the demand for those pathways and growing the supply of skilled South Australian job seekers to meet local industry needs,” said Minister Gardner.

“To achieve these goals, we need to lift the status of VET and unlock the potential it has to drive jobs and growth in our state.

“It is critical that our responses to these challenges are evidence-based and reflect what students, their parents, teachers and employers across South Australia need from VET in schools.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in VET and the future prosperity of South Australia to contribute to the conversation.

“As a Government, and as a community, we need to do everything we can to stem the flow of young South Australians moving interstate by creating opportunities and meaningful links to great careers for them here in their home state.”

The Issues Paper is available on the YourSAy website and public consultation is open until 26 July.

To find out more and to download the issues paper visit yoursay.sa.gov.au.

/Public News. View in full here.