The Marshall Liberal Government has announced the biggest overhaul of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools in a generation, revealing a new VET for School Students policy.
The Government has identified that a strong VET system will be critical in developing the skills that South Australia needs in the modern economy, with the SA Training and Skills Commission advising that VET qualifications are predicted to be favoured over university degrees in 42 out of 50 occupations forecast to see the most growth over the coming years.
The policy aims to restore the value and true purpose of VET pathways for school students in South Australia through a range of measures, notably by recalibrating courses to match industry need and the potential for long-term employment.
A key measure of the policy is that Industry Skills Councils of the Training and Skills Commission will play a key role in the design and development of vocational pathways for each industry sector.
The industry-led approach will be supported by the establishment of new ‘Flexible Industry Pathways’ for school students, including apprenticeships and traineeships that will allow students in their final year of study to spend most of the week in the workplace, providing added benefits to students, employers and the economy.
The policy also outlines a commitment to enhance career education from early secondary school to better connect learners with future jobs, encouraging schools to prioritise career counselling so that students and families are well-informed to take full advantage of the pathways available.
Another measure will include working with Industry Skills Councils to develop an industry and employer immersion program. This new program will include student and parent information sessions, workplace visits, industry-based projects and more.
The policy announcement comes in response to a comprehensive consultation process which includes 47 submissions from peak industry bodies, education providers and interested parties along with almost 2000 survey responses.
In recognition of the importance of VET for South Australia and the strong response from stakeholders across schools, industry, employers and the VET sector, a newly established VET for School Students Ministerial Advisory Council will be established to provide strategic leadership.
Education Minister John Gardner said the policy sets a clear roadmap to reposition VET as a valued pathway for students and families.
“Demand for jobs with a technical qualification in South Australia is higher than ever, and our school students have unprecedented opportunities to get a head start in the workforce by commencing a vocational pathway while at school,” said Minister Gardner.
“It is vital that our schooling sector is preparing students to take advantage of emerging industries, and we know that growing areas such as defence, space, cyber security and health all require employees with vocational qualifications.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is reforming vocational education in schools and ensuring close industry engagement so that South Australia’s young people are best placed to pursue the careers of the future.
“Schools must be supported to help their students to succeed and it is clear that VET can link students to some of the most exciting and in demand industries in South Australia.
“The release of this policy marks a significant step towards repositioning VET as an equally valued and prestigious pathway option alongside university education.
“This policy sets out the Government’s strategic direction and plan for reforming how VET is delivered in schools and will help to unlock the value of VET for students, businesses and the economy to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our state.”
