Future Skills Organisation (FSO) National Forum

Future Skills Organisation (FSO) National Forum

20 March 2024 15:06


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  • Traditional qualifications and Units of Competency are becoming increasingly outdated.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.

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