The McGowan Government has established an urgent review of skills, training and workforce development in response to COVID-19.
The review team will engage with industry and business to identify training needs and develop specific proposals that respond to these needs.
The review will aim to identify practical and responsive training solutions for the post-COVID-19 recovery period.
This follows the profound effect the pandemic's restrictions have had on the workforce with many people losing their jobs or employment opportunities being reduced significantly.
The review team will be led by Ms Anne Driscoll, Director General of the Department of Training and Workforce Development; Ms Michelle Hoad, Managing Director, North Metropolitan TAFE and Ms Terry Durant, Managing Director, South Metropolitan TAFE.
The State Recovery Advisory Group will work with the review team to communicate specific occupations, skills, needs and training courses required to respond to local needs across Western Australia.
The review team will provide a report on key opportunities, practical actions and proposed TAFE implementation responses to the State Recovery Controller by June 30, 2020.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This review will provide a direct line to Government for the State's business and industry stakeholders who have made it clear they want to communicate their training needs and to see responses implemented.
"We all know that COVID-19 is having a profound impact on our workforce and that we need to rebuild opportunities for the recovery period.
"Some sectors will offer growth especially the resources sector which will need key tradespeople such as plant and process operators, diesel mechanics and engineering trades.
"There will also be a continued emphasis on training in other sectors such as health, defence, transport and construction.
"This review, which will engage business and industry stakeholders, will ensure we are ready to provide the training and workforce development the post-COVID-19 era will require."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The review will provide a co-ordinated, efficient and effective way for business to navigate the training system and will have an important role in preparing for the skills and job needs of the future.
"Skills, training and workforce development are critical if we are to ensure a supply of skilled workers across priority industry sectors; prepare people for new and emerging industry needs and equip the health, not-for-profit and government sectors in supporting the community.
"We also want to engage those at-risk in training aligned to employment opportunities and maximise skills development through government stimulus works.
"Western Australia's primary training provider - TAFE - is critical to this process and it's pleasing the review team will be championed by three of its highly experienced leaders."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
