In late September, the Australian and state and territory governments unveiled the first National Skills Plan, developed under the 5-year National Skills Agreement. This plan outlines a national approach to meeting Australia’s skills needs for individuals, industry, and the community.
The National Skills Plan provides a comprehensive framework for all governments to achieve agreed outcomes and address national priorities. It was developed in collaboration with state and territory governments and informed by engagement with First Nations representatives and tripartite bodies such as Jobs and Skills Australia and Jobs and Skills Councils.
Each jurisdiction, including the Commonwealth, will create their own jurisdictional action plans to contribute to the national outcomes and priorities.
The National Skills Plan identifies key drivers of change, focus areas, and initial actions for the national priorities outlined in the National Skills Agreement. These priorities include:
• Gender equality
• Closing the Gap
• Supporting the net zero transformation
• Sustaining essential care services
• Developing Australia’s sovereign capability and food security
• Ensuring Australia’s digital and technology capability
• Delivering housing supply
• Implementing reforms to improve the regulation of VET qualifications and quality
The National Skills Plan is designed to be adaptive, acknowledging that change takes time and priorities may shift. It sets the direction for the initial stage of actions under the National Skills Agreement and will build on successful initiatives while responding to emerging needs.
The Plan will undergo annual reviews, with future plans incorporating evidence and stakeholder feedback on progress, identifying gaps in achievement, and addressing new and emerging circumstances.
Read more information, on the National Skills here.