The Federal Government has formally established all of its Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs), including the Energy, Gas and Renewables JSC which is now in operation.
The $442 million investment is designed to tackle Australia’s current and future skills and workforce challenges. The ten JSCs form a network of industry-owned and led organisations designed to bring together employers and unions to work in partnership with governments and the education and training sectors.
Nine of the JSCs are now operational, with the latest five being:
- Energy, Gas and Renewables
- Early Educators, Health and Human Services
- Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality
- Public Safety and Government
- Finance, Technology and Business
The Federal Government said the JSCs symbolise an ongoing commitment to tripartite leadership to find solutions to the workforce challenges and skills needs currently facing industry sectors across Australia.
The JSCs will also help inform and advise tertiary sectors about the existing and emerging skills needs of the economy.
In their initial stages, the JSCs will focus on recruiting staff and establishing their operations to ensure they are best positioned to provide high quality engagement with industry and stakeholders, and on developing future-focused workforce plans for their industries.
The new JSCs are designed to address skills challenges, such as transforming the economy to achieve net zero emissions and supporting the care and support sector workforce, which will be key to the delivery of quality care to Australians now and into the future.
They will give a voice to the tech sector – which the Federal Government said will underpin the growth of businesses across the nation – as well as supporting those that serve communities, such as emergency services.
The tourism, retail, and arts sectors will also be supported as they recover from the pandemic, so they can continue building the national fabric and help drive a strong economy.
More information on the JSCs and the new industry engagement arrangements can be found at Industry Engagement Reforms (DEWR).
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, said, “I’m proud we’ve delivered these vital councils that bring together employers, unions and government to collaborate to develop solutions to our skills challenges.
“The JSCs will ensure we have a collaborative, tripartite skills sector that brings all parties to the table to ensure Australians are supported into decent, secure jobs now and in the years ahead.
“JSCs are crucial in making sure industry has the right skills to support a prosperous and harmonious economy.”
