|
|
 |
Media Release
INSTITUTE FOR TRADE SKILLS EXCELLENCE ESTABLISHED
21 December 2005
Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, today announced the establishment of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence, another of the 2004 Howard Government election commitments aimed at addressing labour shortages.
Mr Hardgrave said the Institute, an Australian Government investment of $22.9 million over four years, will promote and advance the quality and industry relevance of vocational and technical education for all the trades in Australia.
“I am very pleased today to announce the establishment of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence as one of the key election commitments of the Australian Government aimed at addressing labour shortages in traditional trades and ensuring quality training is not only available but is also industry-led and responsive,” Mr Hardgrave said.
“Industry stakeholders, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the Australian Industry Group (AiG) and the National Farmers Federation (NFF) have agreed in principle to the structure of the board and that the Institute will be established as a public company.
“The Institute will work in harmony with existing quality arrangements such as the Australian Quality Training Framework and other Australian Government initiatives aimed at increasing employer involvement and leadership in the take-up of vocational and technical education, along with increasing the profile of New Apprenticeships as rewarding career options.”
The Institute will promote and advance the quality and industry relevance of vocational and technical education for the trades in Australia and elevate the status of traditional trades as career choices by:
- developing further strategies to improve the profile and status of trades and encourage recognition of the importance of trades in the general community;
- recognising high performing Registered Training Organisations with preferred provider status; and
- fostering and recognising excellence in trades’ teaching.
“Industry Reference Groups will be established by the Institute in a substantial range of key industries including automotive, building and construction, electrical, manufacturing, metals, hospitality and personal services, mineral resources and rural,” Mr Hardgrave said.
“These Industry Reference Groups will provide the opportunity for the direct involvement of industry in recognising high performing Registered Training Organisations within each specific industry.
“The Business Council of Australia (BCA) is not in a position to be able to accept membership of the Institute and therefore will not have a representative on the board of directors. The BCA has, however, expressed strong support for enhanced trade training and the recognition of excellence in training, and wishes the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence success in the promotion of trade training.
“The Australian Government is determined to address current and future labour shortages and the establishment of the Institute will assist in doing this while at the same time ensuring quality, industry-led and responsive training is available. This is part of our commitment of $10.1 billion over the next four years to the vocational and technical education system.”
Media contact: Steve McDonald 0402 896 099
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy Statement
|
