- New State Training Plan 2023-24 sets priorities to develop a highly skilled and agile local workforce
- Four pillars to guide the State Government’s investment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector
- Strategic approach ensures VET provides the right skills for WA industry and WA jobs
Training Minister Simone McGurk has welcomed the release of the State Training Plan 2023-24 to guide the State Government’s investment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector over the next two years.
Led by the industry-backed State Training Board, the Plan outlines four key priorities to guide a well-funded, responsive and innovative VET sector that supports the strategic development of the State’s industries and economy.
Addressing key workforce development opportunities, including economic and energy transformation and decarbonisation targets as the State moves towards net-zero emissions by 2050, the Plan also highlights reform to the national skills agenda and builds on historic highs in apprenticeship and traineeship engagement, and historic lows in unemployment.
The Plan will help position the VET sector to equip Western Australians – including those from regional, diverse and under-represented backgrounds – with the skills needed to participate and prosper in the workplace.
The four key priorities are:
- advocating for WA skills needs in national skills reform;
- preparing a skilled workforce for energy transformation and decarbonisation targets;
- managing a sustainable pipeline of apprentices and trainees; and
- building regional workforce skills and capacity.
The Plan will also focus on continuing initiatives, including skills development for the tourism and hospitality industries, social assistance and allied health and agriculture sectors, and raising the profile of VET among young Western Australians.
The diversification of the WA economy continues to be a focus, for instance work in the emerging defence industries.
Complementing key State Government priorities, the Plan is informed by data, labour market analysis, and valuable consultation with industry.
A statutory body established under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, the State Training Board is the peak industry training advisory body to the Training Minister in WA on matters relating to VET.
The full State Training Plan 2023-24 and more information about the Board are available at https://www.stb.wa.gov.au.
As stated by Training Minister Simone McGurk:
“I congratulate the State Training Board on its State Training Plan 2023-24 and for its valuable contribution to vocational education and training in Western Australia.
“As our State’s training needs and priorities continue to grow and evolve, it is paramount for our Government to maintain strong links with industries and workforces across WA.
“Priorities identified in the new State Training Plan will ensure the Cook Government’s continuing and unprecedented investment in training continues to support current workforce needs – preparing us for industries and opportunities of the future.”
