Move to set up better way of identifying industry training needs

10/6/98

The State Government will move to a more efficient way of identifying Western Australia's industry training needs and job opportunities.

Employment and Training Minister Cheryl Edwardes said following a review by the State Training Board, industry advisory arrangements would be moved to a more business-like purchaser-provider relationship.

Mrs Edwardes said the changes recommended by the State Training Board followed extensive consultation and review.

"Under the new arrangement, the services sought by the State Training Board, the Training Accreditation Council and the Department of Training will be obtained using a mixture of competitive and non-competitive processes," the Minister said.

"Industry Training Councils will continue to be funded to provide core services and are expected to be well placed to provide non-core services on the basis of their existing infrastructure, corporate knowledge, networks and staff expertise.

"However the opening up of the provision of non-core services to competition will ensure the State is receiving the best advice available."

Non core services are defined as the provision of strategic industry intelligence and the provision of advice on specific industry skill requirements.

There are currently 13 Industry Training Councils which are funded by the State Government to identify the training needs and requirements relevant to specific industries.

The State Government's total financial commitment to Industry Training Councils will not be changed.

The Minister said the new arrangements would also provide greater flexibility.

Mrs Edwardes said most of the existing restrictions on the activities of Industry Training Councils would be removed, encouraging the councils to pursue other activities funded by industry or fee-for-service arrangements.

The new industry advisory arrangements will start on November 1, 1998.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (08) 9421 7777