Release Date: 27/08/2013
PEAK employer organisation, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(TCCI) has signed the first memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Skills
Tasmania in an effort to better inform training in the State.
This is the first of a series of MOUs to be signed following the passing of the
Training and Workforce Development Act that saw the Skills Tasmania Board
cease operations from 1 July. The Act requires the Department of Education to
consult with industry and take industry views into account when determining
advice to the Minister on priorities in relation to training and workforce
development.
The TCCI has been a strong advocate in promoting industry views on skills training
and development, and in pushing the need to up-skill the Tasmanian workforce to
meet current and future needs.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said the MOU would see the TCCI providing
strategic industry advice to the Tasmanian Government to inform training and
workforce development policy and strategy
“The TCCI has a strong track record of leadership, support and engagement in the
Tasmanian training and workforce development system.
“We actively support activities that promote the benefits of training as it leads to
productivity improvement for our members through skills and workforce
development and more generally, benefits the Tasmanian economy.
“Under the MOU we will collaborate with Skills Tasmania in the provision of
strategic industry advice on vocational education and training, skills and workforce
development.”
Mr Bailey said the MOU provided a clear mechanism for the voice of Tasmanian
employers to be channelled to Government in this crucial area of skills training and
workforce development.
“It also facilitates a two-way process where employers are kept abreast of
vocational education and training developments so they can make the correct
decisions about training.
“It also recognises that training providers are also businesses and employers, and
they may be members of the TCCI.”
Mr Bailey said in a highly competitive world, it was crucial that Tasmania had a
highly skilled workforce and equally crucial that skills development and training
met the needs of employers.
“The MOU that we have signed will assist greatly in meeting these objectives,” he
said.
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