Manufacturing Skills Australia is examining the role of the workplace in formal skills recognition and how industry can play a more effective role in supporting the recognition of the skills of experienced manufacturing workers who lack formal qualifications or recognised credentials.
It responds to feedback from industry stakeholders that current vocational education and training (VET) pathways do not effectively engage a significant portion of the workforce. Many experienced workers lack clear visibility of their skills and career progression pathways, while Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes are complex, costly, and difficult to access. At the same time, variability in qualification outcomes has impacted industry confidence in the consistency of the national training system and how it relates to contemporary jobs and occupations. Importantly, there is also a growing disconnect between how skills are applied in the workplace and how the formal VET System defines, trains, and assesses them.
This project will investigate how skills are demonstrated and recognised in real work environments, and whether alternative, industry-informed approaches can better engage and support alignment of formal recognition with actual workplace performance.
The project will focus on several key areas of enquiry:
The project will concentrate on Fitting and Machining Trades and Fabrication and Welding Trades, occupational areas experiencing critical skill shortages.
For more information or to participate in this project contact Kerrie Clarke at kerrie@kerrieclarke.com or 0404 847 204.
