Skills First Regional Forums bring sector together

​Hundreds of eager participants attended a number of forums in regional areas, to find out more about how the Department is improving the TAFE and Training sector and responding to the changing nature of industry and the workplace.

The forums provided an opportunity for local industry and community leaders to engage with representatives from the school and tertiary education sectors on local skills and training issues.

Each session was tailored to each local area, with participants working together on identifying the specific jobs and training needs of their community.

Participants heard from inspirational keynote speakers and took part in discussions on place-based jobs and training needs with a panel of experts from local industry, education providers and community organisations.

An online community platform has also been developed for attendees to access information about the Regional Forums and continue the conversations.

The online community provides opportunities for participants to come together beyond the forums, to connect, share knowledge and ideas, and discuss the important vocational and training sector issues for our regions. It also includes copies of the presentations used at each sessions and summary feedback reports.

Some of the main feedback highlighted at the forums included the need for improved career advice and a structured workplace learning component in all VET courses. For further information, contact the team on skills.first.regional.forums@edumail.vic.gov.au.