Victorian Skills Authority

NATIONAL VICTORIA

In September, Marie-Claire McKiernan (MGA TMA National Membership Manager) and Claire Wilson (MGA Industry Trainer/Assessor) attended a meeting with the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) which focused on resources, forestry, pulp, and the paper industry.

The VSA, formed in July 2021, is a key resource between Victoria’s industries, training providers, employers, and communities. Their aim is to assist Victorians to obtain the industry training needed to acquire work. To facilitate this, VSA consult with industries and communities to identify training and employment needs, within communities, and across Victoria. VSA states that “together, we will work to: • match Victoria’s employment demands with training • ensure Victorian employers and communities can find workers with the skills they need, when and where they need them • ensure Victorians can get training that will help them find a job and build a career.”

(Source: https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-skillsauthority)

In August, Craig Robertson was announced as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Skills Authority. Craig was keen to understand what issues industries and communities were facing. Numerous industry groups were in the virtual meeting and the discussion was robust. Presentations covered various funding packages and Apprenticeships Victoria provided an update on the apprenticeship/traineeship scheme. Involvement in these discussions, provided insight into the different support levels available to our members, including conversations about skill shortages and how to meet industry needs. MGA TMA is aware there are labour shortages. To address member needs and represent a voice for the future of this industry, MGA TMA will be canvassing our members to identify current and future skills required. Members will receive this survey soon. If you have any queries, please contact Marie-Claire McKiernan on 0411 886 716.