Two new funding grants have been announced which, although focussed on supporting Learn Locals (ACE providers) in Victoria to manage change, actually reinforce the need for all VET providers to be thinking about how to successfully deal with change.
The funding from the Victorian government is being made available through the Learner and Program Sustainability Grant which aims to help “Learn Locals attract new learners, strengthen their curriculum, set up partnerships with local industry and employers and reach learners who can most benefit from the support provided by a Learn Local.”
A Technology and Digital Grant Program has also been launched which helps Learn Locals “purchase technology that improves outcomes for learners.
This funding is being offered at a time when the World Economic Forum’s latest estimate is that:
“about 170 million new jobs will be created by global macro trends this decade…The Future of Jobs Report 2025 finds that, driven by technological development, the green transition, economic and demographic shifts, the global labour market is being reshaped. The jobs created are equivalent to 14% of today’s employment. Alongside, 92 million roles will be displaced by these same trends. This means there will be a net employment increase of 78 million jobs.”
Australian VET providers have a key role to play in helping Australian companies and their workers adapt to these changes, through support for their upskilling and reskilling needs.
To do this, VET providers will need to be nimble and agile and be ready to manage changes which will come from the Training Package updates which are currently in train, to look at new partnerships and to adapt to new technology.
Professional development will be important in helping RTOs through this challenging and exciting time for the sector. The more the world of work changes, the more there is a need for skills development.
VDC looks forward to continuing to support the Australian VET sector through this period of change.
Applications for the Learn Local grants are now open.
