Enhancing employment opportunities for Victorian students and preparing for future workforce needs.
Victorian unions are committed to promoting an education system which positions students to achieve meaningful, secure and decent employment once they enter the workforce.
The Legislative Assembly’s Economy Infrastructure Committee’s Inquiry into Student Pathways to In-Demand Industries was welcomed by Victorian unions as a demonstration of the government’s investment in preparing for future workforce needs.
In responding to this inquiry, VTHC proposed nineteen extensive recommendations all informed by the experiences of workers and their future workforce needs.
First and foremost, the Victorian Government must act as a model employer in the education and training sector by appropriately renumerating the workers who are responsible for upskilling future generations. The capacity of the sector should also be expanded by widening the course offerings of regional TAFEs, permanently funding union-delivered Women in Trades projects, and maintaining support for the Building Equality Program to address women’s underrepresentation in the construction sector.
It is also essential that young workers, students and all Victorians seeking to pursue further training receive greater support to do so through a range of social assistance measures. VTHC encourages the Victorian Government to provide financial study incentives for students undertaking training in in-demand occupations. The cost of all tertiary education courses, including pathway courses, to the Health and Social Assistance industries should also be subsidised.