3 minute read
EDUCATION REFORM
blueprint
australian industry trade college
INDUSTRY BODY CALLS FOR EDUCATION RE
Rapid and intense education and training will be a key driver for Australia’s economic recovery, states the Australian Industry (Ai) Group in their post pandemic policy.
Published in August, Ai Group states that if Australia is to rebuild and provide access to jobs in all emerging and continuing industries, the education and training outcomes must align with the opportunities in industry.
As a school that is by industry, for industry, the AITC has been aligning its education program with the needs of industry for more than 12 years. “I spoke to more than 100 leaders in industry prior to opening the College,” says AITC CEO Mark Hands. “And the curriculum and values-based program was created based on their input.”
The Ai policy recognises that COVID-19 has occurred at a time when the nation was already suffering from a range of skills shortages and facing challenges in developing relevant and quality skills in the timeframes required by industry. The AITC recognises the impact COVID-19 has had on industry, and the need (and growing demand) for quality apprentices to help rebuild the economy. Young people at the College have been introduced to a set of 10 Employability Metrics that include soft skills like communication, taking initiative and timekeeping. The metrics sit at the core of our industry education program and have been introduced to ensure young people are prepared to excel in their chosen industry.
Ai Group reports that the pandemic forced many industries to quickly pivot to use new technologies, creating an urgency for skilled staff. The AITC understands this urgency will continue in coming years and has a strong focus on creating an innovative and agile program that will pivot with industry.
The industry body stresses the importance of having education and training that aligns with industry’s needs and growth strategies, as well as systems that are innovative and anticipate skill priorities in the short, medium and long term. The AITC is proud to be a leader of this change in Queensland, having placed technically talented and work-ready young people in apprenticeships and traineeships since 2008.
in short:
Industry skills will be critical to economic recovery
Australia must be ready to respond to a growing demand for industry skills
With many industries forced to pivot due to COVID-19, a shortage of skilled workers is already impacting industry
EDUCATION RE FORM
It’s why we align the education and training opportunities we provide with industry needs
EDUCATING TOMORROW’S INDUSTRY LEADERS
And have initiatives in place like our
10
Employability Metrics that help to build soft skills like communication and taking initiative
blueprint
australian industry trade college
COMPLETION: T H E K E Y TO SUCCESS
A report by the National Centre for Vocational Educational Research (NCVER) has found that when it comes to industry training, completion is the key to success.
Results of the study suggest that most apprentices who don’t complete their training cite employment-related reasons for leaving, which highlights how crucial the support of an employer is for young people undertaking training.
These findings support the College’s unique model, providing technically talented young people with the opportunity to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) alongside an apprenticeship or traineeship.
The AITC curriculum was built upon industry leaders’ advice who indicated they seek out apprentices and trainees who have completed their senior schooling. The study further showed that those who had not completed their training reported lower satisfaction with working conditions, supervision, pay, types of work and their relationships with co-workers.
