Skills passport consultation begins
Public submissions are being sought on how a Skills Passport could help workers promote their skills and qualifications, and businesses find more skilled employees.
This consultation is an important opportunity for the public to help define the scope, outcomes and benefits of a Skills Passport. Consultation will inform the development of a business case for a Skills Passport.
Scoping of a Skills Passport was announced ahead of the Employment White Paper in September 2023. A Skills Passport has the potential to encourage and promote lifelong learning and support people to take the next step in their education or career.
A Skills Passport could allow individuals to upload and share their skills and qualifications across higher education and vocational education and training (VET).
It could connect with other relevant services, help people upskill and reskill, and make life easier for jobseekers, employees, and businesses.
The Albanese Government has committed to consult widely and wants to hear from stakeholders to see how a Skills Passport could work including individuals, businesses, unions and tertiary institutions, as well as state, territory and local governments.
This public consultation is part of the broader effort to consult widely across a range of groups, to ensure the business case meets user needs.
More details on the consultation paper are on the Department of Education website, with submissions due by 11:59pm Sunday, 18 February 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“A Skills Passport can provide quick and easy evidence of your skills, qualities and work experience and make it easier for employers to verify your capabilities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor:
“We want to make it easier for workers to move through the economy, from industry to industry, while ensuring businesses can find the employees they need to thrive.
“A Skills Passport could be an important part of addressing Australia’s skills shortage, and that’s why we need your help to see how this could work.”