Australia's VET system is designed to provide the training needed to maintain and improve our global competitiveness. Its success relies on close communication between the system's stakeholders - industry (employers and employees), registered training organisations (RTOs), other VET service providers and the government. Industry input is vital to ensure local industry is getting the product it needs. The Tasmanian VET system is structured on industry advice, good networks and a history of cooperation and partnerships with industry.
The Minister for Education implemented new Industry Advisory Arrangements for Tasmania during 2003. The package included:
- Establishment of the TLSA Industry Advisory Group (TIAG)
- Employment of three specialist Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs) in Skills Tasmania
- Purchasing Industry Advice
TIAG was created to develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures. That having been achieved, the group was abolished by the Minister in July 2006. This role has been subsumed by the Skills Tasmania Board.
To support the package three Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs) were appointed. The main function of the ILOs is to gather and convert industry intelligence into useable information for:
A principal ILO activity is consultation with industry representatives, groups and individuals. This will include: industry peak bodies & councils; employee & regional bodies; business; RTOs (private & TAFE); and other key people.
Industry forums are convened by ILOs as a way of achieving coordinated solutions.
The ILOs are Erin Clark, who is based in the south, Michael McGee, who is based in the north west at Devonport and Dave Olden who is based in Launceston.
Apprenticeships centres
Industry liaison officers
