Future Skills Organisation (FSO) National Forum

It’s definitely been a busy couple of weeks at Aspire! Last week, we attended FSO’s National Forum, 'Building a Skilled Workforce,' aligned to their Initial Workforce Plan. The forum was an insightful opportunity to network with industry leaders, unions, government officials and vocational training providers.

There were thought-provoking discussions, inspiring blue-sky thinking and practical workshops to transform vision into action. Here are some key insights and themes from the symposium.

Skills Shortages

• By 2030, Australia anticipates a 30% workforce shortfall, highlighting the urgency of addressing skills gaps.
• Only 46% of VET graduates secure employment within six months of completion, emphasising the need for targeted training programs.
• Digital skills are essential, with 93% of technology, business, and finance workers requiring them for their roles.
• 51 out of 83 occupations in the sector face skills shortages, particularly in cyber security and software engineering.

Sector Focus

• The FSO's operational priorities include qualifications reform, a unified HE sector, a national skills passport and TAFE centres of excellence.
• Vocational education must adapt to an increasingly digitized economy, aligning training with industry needs.
• South Australia is aligning skills development with energy policies to address emerging renewables and nuclear energy sector gaps.

Industry Perspectives

• Microcredentials can bridge skills gaps, with Telstra investing in them for their future workforce.
• Employer-designed training programs and 'earn while you learn' initiatives are crucial for workforce development.
• Artificial intelligence should be viewed as an augmentation opportunity rather than a replacement for workers.

Qualification/Curriculum Frameworks

• Quality frameworks and learning models must evolve rapidly to meet shifting demands.
• Training for jobs that don't yet exist is essential, necessitating flexible and adaptive education models.
• Traditional qualifications and Units of Competency are becoming increasingly outdated.

Education Models

• Education should be an enabler, focusing on quality training and education pathways to attract talent and drive success.
• Capturing workplace learning better and early collaboration with industry can reduce the 'relevancy gap.'
• Starting with quality and innovation in education frameworks will naturally lead to compliance.

The FSO National Forum truly was a transformative event, and an important early step as the sector prepares for reform. Be sure to join the conversation and help stakeholders come together to chart a path toward a skilled and resilient workforce for Australia's future.