The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has warmly welcomed the release of the NSW Vocational and Educational Training Review’s Final Report 2024. This report, according to ITECA New South Wales, marks a pivotal and much-needed advance towards integrating the traditionally separate skills training and higher education sectors into a cohesive and aligned tertiary system.

The report’s focus on creating quality pathways for New South Wales students – pathways that align with their aspirations while building essential skills, knowledge, and capabilities – resonates strongly with ITECA NSW’s vision.

“This approach is crucial in ensuring that all students, irrespective of their background, have access to lifelong learning opportunities. The ability to move seamlessly through various training and education choices is vital for developing a robust workforce,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.

A key milestone highlighted by the report is the recognition of skills training as an equal and high-quality option that leads to strong employment outcomes and fulfilling careers – a sentiment strongly endorsed by ITECA NSW.

“For too long, skills training has been undervalued in comparison to other tertiary education pathways. The report's emphasis on elevating skills training will help attract more students to this vital sector and ensure that they are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce,” Mr Williams added.

Independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) play a critical role in delivering quality skills training across the state, supporting 85.5 percent of the 1,255,445 students enrolled in skills training in New South Wales, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data.

“ITECA News South Wales will be advocating for reforms that put students at the heart of a high-performing skills training system that’s underpinned by quality RTOs,” Mr Williams emphasised.

One of the report’s notable recommendations is the establishment of a single, expert-led governance body responsible for providing system-wide strategic advice. This body would possess the necessary expertise to ensure clear accountability and effective leadership across the education and training landscape.

“The establishment of a unified governance body represents a significant step towards delivering a world-class skills training system for New South Wales. With the contribution of the independent RTOs, the proposed structure could provide the strategic leadership needed to ensure that the state’s skills training system is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future,” Mr Williams said.

ITECA New South Wales is engaging with the New South Wales Government on the next steps for implementing the review’s recommendations. A critical aspect of these discussions is ensuring that reforms empower students to choose the provider that best meets their needs.