Skills taskforce suggests more use of non-accredited training

A new federal government resources industry taskforce has raised the prospect of using more non-accredited and on-the-job trades training to build future skills needed in the mining and energy sectors.

The National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce discussion paper, Resourcing the Future, says the possible reforms are part of an overall approach aimed at delivering a better qualified, more mobile workforce with common skills standards.

It poses the questions: What are the appropriate models of trade training which could be utilised in the resources sector? What are the alternative models of trade training that might be trialled in the resources sector?

The report notes that 70% of mining employers have used unaccredited training in their enterprise and asks what more could be done to increase the number of school leavers employed in the industry, including under Australian Apprenticeship arrangements?

“How can the resources sector make the best use of the accredited and non-accredited (qualifications versus skills) training system (including Australian Apprenticeships) to prepare for its future skills needs? What more can be done to recognise the skills that resources sector employees acquire ‘on the job’ and through unaccredited training?

TDA is a member of the Skills Reference Group within the Taskforce. Any members who wish to respond to the paper are encouraged to send their submissions to Acting CEO of TDA, Pam Caven by 22 March.