Master Builders backs VET reforms

Master Builders supports changes announced by Assistant Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham to the Vocational Education and Training System (VET) that will put industry front and centre of training product development.

“Master Builders welcomes Minister Birmingham’s recognition of the need for the VET system to be more responsive to the skills needs of industry and those that work in it,” Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“Skill requirements in the building and construction industry have changed significantly over the past two decades and the need for new skills is accelerating as the industry adopts new techniques in response to new technologies, building design and materials,” he said.

“However, industry training packages have struggled to keep up with the different and additional skill sets required to match these requirements which undermines the productive potential of these technologies. It has also meant that both employers have been frustrated in having to develop skill sets for their own workers that are not formally recognised,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“Master Builders has actively contributed to the government’s reform efforts to ensure that the development of training packages are industry driven and deliver industry outcomes relevant to industry needs,” he said.

“Master Builders therefore backs the reforms announced by Senator Birmingham that will see industry at the centre of driving and delivering modern and relevant industry skill sets. This is a win for employers and a win for existing and new entrants to the building and construction industry,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“Master Builders supports the proposed new structure. It is important that the new structures deliver on the reforms and that it ensures that the industry is at the centre of designing and delivering training outcomes that meets the actual needs of the building and construction industry,” he said.

“The building and construction industry must be one of the industry sectors that need to receive priority in the new training delivery structures given the central role that this industry will play in the future role of productivity enhancing investments of this country. The new contestable model should assist in delivering the necessary training outcomes for the building and construction industry,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.