The Federal Government today announced a consultation process for a review of the National Skills Needs List, which identifies trades experiencing a skills shortage.
Announcing the review during National Skills Week, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the list is used to determine eligibility to receive financial assistance to take on an apprentice or trainee or up-skill current staff in occupations experiencing skills shortages.
“The review will ensure skills shortages are identified using a forward-looking, up-to-date methodology and that apprenticeship incentives are targeted at addressing critical skills shortages in the Australian economy,” Minister Cash said.
The review will consult widely with industry and other stakeholders across Australia and will ensure the National Skills Needs List is responsive to changing labour market conditions.
Interested stakeholders are invited to respond to the questions outlined in the issues paper, which seeks to establish an agreed set of design principles for a replacement methodology for the National Skills Needs List.
Stakeholders with an interest in building a high-quality Australian workforce with the skills that employers need to contribute to this important review are urged to contribute.
The issues paper is available on the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business website at https://employment.gov.au/review-australian-apprenticeships-national-skills-needs-list.
Stakeholders can lodge their submission using the online submission form or by emailing nsnlreview@employment.gov.au. Submissions close on 27 September 2019.