Workforce Development Councils confirmed

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) have today confirmed that six industry-led Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) will be established to give industry greater leadership across vocational education and training.

As ratified at our recent industry consultation workshop, the funeral ITO (FSTT) representing funeral and embalming services, will be part of the Health, Community and Social Services WDC.

The establishment of WDCs will be enabled by the passing of the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill expected by 1 April, 2020. There will then be a transition period until 31 December 2022, to allow time for functions to transfer to the new WDCs and providers at the appropriate time.

The next steps for the WDCs establishment process include:

• Further engagement with industry, relevant stakeholders, and industry training organisations regarding the WDC establishment process early in the new year.

• Supporting WDCs to identify their governance arrangements and Board appointment process to ensure good governance arrangements are put in place and that the WDCs represent all industry interests within their area of coverage.

• Supporting ITOs in their transition by establishing transitional ITOs on 1 April 2020 to maintain current ITO capability until WDCs are established and a provider has taken on their responsibilities for arranging training.