Joint submission to ATEC backs stronger VET and higher education pathways, better recognition of skills, and a deliberate lift in the standing of VET.
The ten Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) have jointly lodged a submission to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) in response to its discussion paper, A More Joined-Up Tertiary System, outlining a shared industry position on the future of Australia's tertiary education system.
The submission supports a more connected tertiary system that strengthens pathways between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and higher education, improves recognition of skills and learning across sectors, and deliberately lifts the standing of VET. Together, the JSCs see these reforms as critical to meeting Australia's future workforce needs, supporting better outcomes for learners and industry, and lifting national productivity.
As industry-owned and industry-led organisations, the Jobs and Skills Councils bring together employers, unions and governments to provide a coordinated industry voice on workforce and skills needs. Drawing on evidence, workforce intelligence and direct engagement with industry, the submission highlights the important role the JSC network can play in shaping practical reforms that better align the tertiary system with the needs of learners, employers and the economy.
The submission outlines principles to support a more coherent and responsive tertiary system, including:
- stronger pathways between VET and higher education
- greater recognition of prior learning and transferable skills
- a common skills language across sectors
- improved learner mobility and lifelong learning pathways
- stronger industry stewardship and evidence-led reform
- a deliberate lift in the standing of VET.