The Intergenerational Report says we need more vocational skills – but federal funding for them is set to drop
The federal government is unambiguous about the need for more nurses, builders and electricians. But the plan to find and fund these workers is less clear.
The Intergenerational Report warns that Australia will require a significant increase in skilled workers over the next four decades, with vocational education and training needing to adapt to labor market demands. However, federal funding for vocational education is projected to decrease by 15% by 2066, raising concerns about the sector's ability to meet the anticipated growth in demand.
Currently, enrolments in vocational education are declining, with new students starting qualifications falling from 2 million to 1.6 million between 2016 and 2018. To achieve the report's goal of 37% of the working-age population having vocational qualifications by 2066, a 40% increase in enrollment is needed. Despite the funding decrease, higher education payments are expected to grow by 43% over the same period.
The report also highlights $85 million set aside to assess migrants with skilled trades and occupational licensing, and acknowledges the importance of wider recognition of prior learning and qualifications. However, the focus appears to be on easing pathways to university rather than vocational study. The analysis suggests that without increased funding for vocational education, Australia may struggle to meet the growing demand for skilled workers, and the responsibility for boosting funding may fall on states and territories.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
