A comprehensive review of the state’s vocational education and training (VET) sector has kicked off today with the launch of public consultation around the state.

The launch of the VET Review delivers on a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government to rebuild TAFE.

The Review will address how to put TAFE at the heart of a thriving VET system in NSW. It will also identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement in skills development and training and look at ways of attracting, retaining and supporting the VET workforce.

The expert Review panel, comprising chair Dr Michele Bruniges AM, The Hon. Professor Verity Firth AM and Jason Ardler PSM, will embark on a series of roundtables and a regional tour to ensure it is hearing all voices and seeing the breadth of VET provision across NSW.

The first roundtable will run in Tamworth today at the Bush Summit, bringing together community leaders and policy makers to discuss challenges and opportunities facing regional and remote communities.

Further roundtables will be held in Wollongong, western Sydney, Dubbo, Cobar, Hunter/Central Coast, Ballina, and Albury throughout August and September.

The expert panel will also visit Coffs Harbour, Moree, Moruya, Bega and Sydney during the regional tour in September.

The panel has launched a discussion paper that will guide the consultation, posing questions to prompt feedback and engagement across four key themes:

• Boosting student success
• Placing TAFE NSW at the heart of the system
• Delivering VET in NSW
• Preparing VET for the future

Consultations will also focus on five industry areas:

• Primary industries
• Care economy
• Manufacturing, construction and engineering
• Educators
• Digital

The consultation period will be open to the public, who can take part in a ‘Have Your Say’ survey or make a written submission in response to the discussion paper through an open submission process.

Stakeholders can learn more about the Review, the consultation approach, read the discussion paper and share their experiences here.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Prue Car, said:

“A strong TAFE makes for a strong VET Sector, better skills and an economy better prepared for the future.

“One million learners enter the NSW VET Sector every year through more than one thousand registered training organisations. Getting this system right is vital for our State.

“We’ve made a commitment to rebuild TAFE and fix the system. TAFE is the country's leading provider of vocational education and must be at the heart of a future workforce that is highly skilled and competent. We must secure TAFE’s future to boost future opportunities for the community.

“We want to hear every voice, from industry leaders to past and current students, educators, employers and other key stakeholders to discuss their concerns and insights.”

“Listening to the people at the heart of the vocational education and training sector will equip us with the tools to deliver the best results for our learners and the economy.”

Chair of the VET Review panel Dr Michele Bruniges AM said:

“Public consultation is key to informing the Review’s recommendations about how to improve equitable access to VET and support for learners across the state.

“The Review is looking at everything that creates a vibrant VET sector in NSW and what needs to be done now to help address skills shortages.

“Stakeholder consultation is critical to make sure we put in place the right settings to attract, support and retain our valuable VET teachers, while providing students and trainees with the best possible opportunities to achieve rewarding outcomes.

“As a panel, we particularly want to hear your practical ideas and solutions to the challenges we have outlined in the discussion paper.”