Today marked the official launch of National Skills Week in Queensland’s State Parliament. The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) said National Skills Week highlights the remarkable achievements and the significant contributions of students and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across the state’s skills training system.
Attending the launch was the ITECA Chief Executive, Troy Williams, who remarked that National Skills Week was an occasion to recognise the accomplishments of students, trainers, assessors and independent RTOs with a commitment to quality.
“National Skills Week isn’t just about recognising the importance of skills training; it’s a tribute to the excellence exhibited by both our students and independent RTOs,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams acknowledged the approach of the Queensland Government that understood that independent RTOs with a commitment to quality play a critical role in the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of the state.
“Queensland is at the forefront of skills training in Australia when it comes to supporting students that want to study with an independent RTO. The phenomenal achievements we see today are a result of the significant contributions made by our independent RTOs,” Mr Williams said.
Indeed, the latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Educational Research (NCVER) shows how independent RTOs are the mainstay of Queensland’s skills training system:
- Independent RTOs support a whopping 92.3% of students in skills training across Queensland.
- They play a crucial role in Indigenous economic empowerment, supporting 87.1% of Indigenous students in skills training across the state.
- Their reach extends to the furthest corners, with 92.5% of students from remote, rural, and regional Queensland being supported by independent RTOs.
- Additionally, these institutions stand behind 68.6% of all apprentices and trainees in Queensland.
ITECA notes that while these statistics highlight the significant role of independent RTOs, it’s essential to note the complementarity in the work of ITECA members and public TAFE colleges in Queensland.
“Both sectors together form a formidable force, ensuring a comprehensive, adaptable, and inclusive approach to skills training, catering to the diverse needs of the Queensland economy,” Mr Williams said.
The National Skills Week celebration comes at a critical time as the State Government is actively engaged in consultations associated with developing a new Queensland skills training strategy.
“The essence of National Skills Week is not just a celebration of skills training, but an acknowledgment of the symbiotic relationship between independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges. Together, they ensure that Queensland remains a beacon of excellence in skills training, and ITECA is looking for the new strategy to reflect that,” Mr Williams said.
