The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) met via teleconference on 28 July 2016 to consider two Training Packages and discuss a number of important vocational education and training (VET) policy and programme matters.
The Committee noted the re-appointment of Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training and welcomed the appointment of the Hon Karen Andrews MP as Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills.
Members focused on progress made towards implementation of the new arrangements, particularly the pilot review of Industry Reference Committees (IRCs), and the significant progress to date in:
- consulting with industry on the development of robust and representative IRCs for the furniture and forestry sectors; and
- ensuring that IRCs have access to high quality committee management and leadership training to support their operations.
The Committee raised concerns about the VET FEE-HELP Programme and welcomed advice that consideration of reform options will be a high priority for the Commonwealth.
The Victorian Government’s progress in leading the work of the Ministerial Council on the future reform of training products was also presented to the Committee. Members look forward to continuing to partner with the Senior Skills Officials’ Network on this project to ensure advice to Ministers is informed by industry.
The Committee approved for implementation the CPC v2 Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package following receipt of advice from the Construction IRC that, given the significant level of change to the Certificate III in Signs and Graphics and the Certificate III in Shopfitting, these qualifications are not equivalent.
The Committee also agreed to the removal of a crocodile inspection Unit AMPA3126 Perform ante and post-mortem inspection - crocodiles in the AMP v2 Australian Meat Processing Training Package prior to its final release.
Further information about the Committee and the opportunities available to engage in the new arrangements is available at www.AISC.net.au.