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Productivity Commission Praises Universities' Role in Shaping Australia's Future Workforce

Universities are key to Australia's future workforce, says Productivity Commission. Seamless learning pathways and lifelong education are vital for the jobs of tomorrow.

In this picture I can see there is a kangaroo and it has a long tail. There is some grass on the...
In this picture I can see there is a kangaroo and it has a long tail. There is some grass on the floor and there are few plants and trees in the backdrop.

Productivity Commission Praises Universities' Role in Shaping Australia's Future Workforce

The Productivity Commission's interim report has underscored the vital role of education providers, including universities, in shaping Australia's future workforce. It highlights the importance of lifelong learning, seamless pathways between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education, and the contribution of international students.

The report stresses the significance of institutions such as vocational education and training providers, universities, industry bodies, and government agencies in developing the skills needed for Australia's future. It also values the role of universities in this process, educating over 1.5 million students annually in fields like nursing, teaching, engineering, and climate science.

Universities Australia (UA) has welcomed the report, supporting its focus on lifelong learning and targeted training incentives for small and medium businesses. UA will engage with the Productivity Commission during the consultation process for its final report. The report also emphasizes the importance of international students, who contribute to Australia's skill mix and bolster the long-term workforce by staying and working in critical sectors.

The interim report emphasizes the need for seamless pathways between VET and higher education, with UA welcoming the Commission's recommendations on credit transfer and recognition of prior learning. This flexibility in learning is crucial, given that 90% of new jobs in the coming years will require post-secondary qualifications.

The Productivity Commission's interim report underscores the importance of universities and other education providers in developing Australia's future workforce. With UA's support and engagement, the final report is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations for Australia's skill development and workforce planning.

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