This month, our Stakeholder Forum, comprising 23 representatives from across the industries we support, met face to face to discuss the priority actions for our future JSC work.

 Based on previous feedback and acknowledging the diverse needs of our industries, discussions took place both as a larger Forum and within three breakout groups, each focusing on particular industry groupings:

  • Food Value Chain
  • Animal and Environment Care
  • Forestry, Fibre, Manufacturing, and Building Products.

The breakout groups refined priorities to work towards a JSC action plan based on industry needs. The groups considered key points from reports and research, including external analyses such as the Jobs and Skills Australia Food Supply Chain report and the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship System. Additionally, Skills Insight’s own research — such as the Exploring Training Demand and Supply Challenges Report, Connecting RTOs and Employers Consultation Report, and Ag Trade Apprenticeship Feasibility Report — provided a strong evidence base for informed decision-making.

Meeting attendees, including Forum members and industry training and skills advisory body representatives

Front row left to right: Amy Roberts, Edwina Walsh, Dianne Smith, Jo Ruscoe, Jo Kerr, Sharyn Lancaster, Karen Day, Julie Fiedler, Fiona Wahr, Angela Bradburn, Sara Bray, Robyn Verrall

Back row left to right: Ben Rogers, Lyle Ward, Jen Ford, Tim Lester, Lisa Gilbert, Neil Louwrens, Leon Drury, Melissa Baker, Jimmy Cottrell-Dormer, Ben Holmes, Virginia Solomon and Matt Ryan

Forum members missing from the photo: Michael O’Connor and Jemma Harper

Some key topics of discussion were the importance of uncovering accurate industry data, improving access to training and skills recognition, and supporting increased access to quality of training. 

Workforce planning remains a centrepiece of JSC activity, and the Forum was updated about the approach to this year’s Workforce Plan.

Forum representatives were also provided with a prioritisation framework for evaluating JSC activities. This will be tested and associated processes clarified over coming months.

The day was attended by industry state training and skills advisory bodies and Chaired by Tim Woods, Managing Director of IndustryEdge.

Executive Manager Industry Skills Policy, Geoff Barbaro, presenting at the Skills Insight JSC Forum
Food value chain breakout session at the Skills Insight JSC Forum Meeting.