Vocational Education and Training

Skills Insight has responded to the discussion paper on a Revised Methodology for the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List. Our submission, informed by engagement and research, highlights concerns that the proposed methodology could systematically disadvantage essential industries and the communities they support. Notably, sixteen additional occupations within Skills Insight’s coverage risk exclusion from the Priority List if…

Australia’s labour market is undergoing significant structural change, with growing demand for higher-skilled roles and emerging technologies reshaping work. Through our engagement with industry and training leaders, we continue to hear the pressing need for improved matching between the skills Australians bring and the opportunities available to them, particularly for underrepresented groups. The Jobs and…

Jobs and Skills Australia has released the annual Occupation Shortage List (OSL), for 2025. According to this year’s list, 29% of occupations were in national shortage, down from a peak of 36% in 2023. The OSL identifies which occupations are in shortage and where, providing information to inform government decision making and support. It includes…

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is calling for stakeholders to have their say on the implementation plan for Australia’s Strategy for Nature. Consultation is open until 15 October 2025. The plan will guide how governments, communities, businesses and individuals can work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by…

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is undertaking consultation on the 2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), which identifies occupations to be included under the employer-sponsored temporary ​Skills in Demand visa​ as part of the national ​migration strategy.​ Skills Insight has identified the occupations identified in the CSOL that relate to the industries we work with, which includes…

Australia’s VET qualification design is transitioning to a new approach, designed to improve quality, reduce complexity and provide opportunities for new and adaptable approaches to qualifications. An updated Training Package Organising Framework is available to view and will come into effect 1 July 2025.  Skills Insight is currently exploring what opportunities the new approach might offer for addressing the unique challenges…

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is currently inviting contribution to the development of their 2025-26 annual work plans.  Creating a thriving labour market where all Australians can reach their full potential requires collaboration, shared insights, and innovative strategies. Together with JSA, you can be part of shaping a stronger, more resilient workforce to meet the…

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has appointed Troy Williams as its new Chief Executive, effective 3 March 2025. With extensive experience in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, Williams will focus on advancing trade opportunities, addressing labour shortages, and ensuring farmers remain central to national policy and reform. His leadership comes at a pivotal time, as…

Jobs and Skills Australia’s (JSA) new report, An Essential Ingredient: The Food Supply Chain Workforce,examines food production, manufacturing and distribution, highlighting key challenges and opportunities that can be addressed through the national skills system. The report presents actionable recommendations across eight key themes to build resilience and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability. Skills Insight CEO…

In a significant step for South Australia’s landscaping sector, the Government of South Australia has officially declared Landscape Construction Tradesperson as a recognised trade. The AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction will be delivered under an apprenticeship model. This recognition comes after months of collaboration between the Master Landscapers of SA (MLSA), the South Australian Skills Commission, ARO College, and the Department of State Development,…

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has granted an extension period for products in the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package. The transition period for training, assessment and certification issuance for the training products is extended until 31 January 2026 for continuing students only. It impacts the following training qualifications:

As part of its 2024 Roadshow event around the country, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has recently published Better Together: The Jobs and Skills Report 2024. The report provides advice to government about Australia’s current, emerging and future skills and training needs and priorities. JSA also recently published its 2024–25 Work Plan, whichsets out the key outcomes and…

Earlier this year, we shared that Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) was collecting feedback on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), a list that outlines the skills needs of Australia and informs the national migration strategy. This week, the Government revealed the new CSOL, comprised of more than 450 occupations, including in the construction, agriculture, cyber security, health,…