The New South Wales (NSW) Government is embarking on a transformative journey to revitalise the vocational education system and restore TAFE (Technical and Further Education) as the heart of skills training.
In a significant step towards achieving this goal, a comprehensive review will be led by a distinguished three-member expert panel, aiming to develop strong recommendations to overcome the challenges posed by a decade of funding cuts and re-energise the vocational education landscape in the state.
Meet the Expert Panel for NSW VET Review
Heading the expert panel is Dr Michele Bruniges, a respected figure in the education sector, who previously served as the head of the Commonwealth Department of Education and held key roles in both the Commonwealth and NSW education departments.
Joining her are two eminent panel members: Professor Verity Firth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Social Justice and Inclusion at UTS and a former NSW Minister for Education and Training, and Jason Ardler PSM, a Yuin man from the South Coast of NSW with extensive experience in senior executive positions within the NSW public sector.
Bruniges, an accomplished former TAFE teacher herself, highlights the significance of this review and its potential to shape the vocational education landscape for the better. With her deep understanding of the sector and unwavering commitment to learner success, she stands ready to lead the Expert Panel in this crucial endeavour.
Rebuilding TAFE and Navigating Cuts
The review’s primary focus is to assess the full impact of the funding cuts on TAFE and develop a clear path forward to rebuilding this essential institution.
Over the past decade, NSW has experienced a concerning 45% decrease in TAFE NSW teachers, a 15% drop in permanent teachers replaced by casuals, a 28% decline in TAFE enrolment numbers, and a 67% drop in TAFE completions.
Additionally, apprenticeship and traineeship commencements have declined by 33% since 2011. The review will provide valuable insights to address these challenges and revamp the vocational education sector.
Aiming Beyond the Gonski Shergold Review
The panel of experts is committed to going beyond the 2020 Gonski Shergold Review of VET and crafting an innovative strategy that re-establishes TAFE as the nucleus of the vocational education system.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said the review will explore ways to enhance access to vocational education and training, support learners to succeed, and address the prevailing skills shortages in NSW. This comprehensive analysis builds upon the work of previous reviews, seeking to shape a resilient and agile workforce fully equipped to tackle both present and future challenges.
He underscored the critical nature of this review and its potential impact on the state. The challenges faced by VET and TAFE in recent years, coupled with the current skills shortages, demand a comprehensive evaluation of the system.
By taking stock of what works and needs improvement, NSW can ensure that vocational education and training effectively meet the state’s needs and create opportunities for all.
Extensive Stakeholder Engagement
The success of this transformative endeavour lies in engaging stakeholders across various sectors. The expert panel will seek valuable input from education providers, industry leaders, union representatives, students, and professional bodies. Extensive consultations include a Skills Summit, roundtables, and broad public engagement. This collective wisdom will serve as the bedrock for the review’s interim report, set to be issued by the end of 2023, and the final report due by mid-2024.
Building a Vision for a Skilled Future
The VET Review’s outcomes will be pivotal in developing the 2024 NSW Skills Plan. This plan will lay the groundwork for a skilled and agile workforce poised to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Moreover, it will pave the way for a world-class public institution in TAFE NSW, empowering learners from diverse backgrounds to succeed in their chosen fields.
Stay tuned for more VET news and updates on our blog page.
