Stimulating improved skills levels for the Australian workforce

Investment in the National Vocational Education and Training E-learning Strategy for 2012-2015 will stimulate innovative approaches to increasing participation in training and improve the skill levels of the Australian workforce.

Funding of $11.5m has been approved for the Strategy in 2011/12 by the Ministerial Council on Tertiary Education and Training for programs:

• capitalising on the roll-out of the National Broadband Network by demonstrating the benefits of the national investment in broadband
• supporting large-scale workforce development in industry through partnerships and comprehensive e-learning advice
• expanding participation and access for individuals through e-learning programs delivering foundation skills and e-literacy.

The National VET E-learning Strategy (which replaces the Australian Flexible Learning Framework) will seek co-investment to promote the growth in broadband-based training; support the adoption of industry-wide e-learning programs; develop e-literacy; and improve access to training.

The strategy will be managed by the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), a key policy advisory group on national directions and priorities for information and communication technologies in the VET sector.

FLAG Chair, Raymond Garrand said to help meet emerging skills needs, FLAG will work with industry and state/territory governments to deliver quality, higher level training which meets the needs of employers and learners, supports competitive industries and is matched to future jobs growth.

“Through the NBN, we have a unique opportunity to change the way training is accessed and delivered. This strategy provides incentives and support for VET providers to use the new environment to improve and extend training opportunities, while furthering Australian Government policy objectives for greater participation and enhanced workforce skills.”

Details of initial funding opportunities in 2011/12 for business, community and individual Registered Training Organisations for delivery of e-learning training programs under the National VET E-learning Strategy are available via flexiblelearning.net.au.

General enquires about the National VET E-learning Strategy can be directed to andrea.wallace [at] deewr.gov.au (replace 'at' with @ to use).