The peak body representing independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Queensland, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), looks forward to working with the Hon. Lance McCallum MP, Queensland's new Minister for Training and Skills Development.
"The ability of Queensland's tertiary education system to deliver the skilled workforce that employers need is dependent upon reforms that recognise the complementarity of independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges. ITECA Queensland looks forward to working with the Minister on the reforms currently being progressed by the Queensland Government that reflect this," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
The criticality of independent RTOs working alongside public TAFE colleges to skill, upskill, and reskill Queensland is evident from the recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). This shows the significant contribution of independent RTOs that support:
Independent Skills Training Provider Student Enrolments In Queensland ―
- Total students in sills training: 92.3% of enrolments (895,505 enrolments)
- Remote, rural and regional: 92.5% of enrolments (354,070 enrolments)
- Indigenous students: 87.1% of enrolments (40,620 students)
"Queensland faces some unique challenges in skilling, reskilling, and upskilling the workforce, particularly in helping students outside South East Queensland access skills training. It's here that independent RTOs do the heavy lifting when it comes to the delivery of high-quality training," Mr Williams said.
The NCVER data also shows that independent RTOs are critical to the capacity of the state's skills training system to support employers in industries significant to the Queensland economy. This is reflected in the fact that independent RTOs support 95.9% of student enrolments in the Transport and Logistics Training Package (TDT & TLI), 91.0% of the student enrolments in the Aviation Training Package (AVI, TDA & ZQF), 97.8% of student enrolments in the Resources and Infrastructure Training Package (BCC, DRT, MNC, MNM, MNQ, and RRI), plus 72.0% of student enrolments in the Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality Training Package (SIT, THH, and THT).
"ITECA Queensland's collaboration with the new Minister is not just about policy reform; it's about ensuring every Queenslander has access to the skills training they need for the future. Independent RTOs are at the forefront of this activity, contributing significantly to workforce development across various sectors of the state's economy," Mr Williams said.
ITECA Queensland expects to meet with the new Minister early in the new year.
"ITECA Queensland is enthusiastic about collaborating with Minister McCallum to enhance the synergy between independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges, ensuring a robust and skilled workforce in Queensland," Mr Williams concluded.
