Our Purpose

Who we are and what we do.

What are Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs)?

JSCs are not-for-profit organisations that work with their industry-sectors to identify current workforce challenges or potential skills shortages. They develop and review relevant training packages and support the implementation, monitoring and promotion of vocational education and training (VET) within their industry-sectors.

Every JSC is industry-owned and brings together employer and employee bodies as well as governments in a tripartite arrangement to workforce and training challenges.

JSCs are responsible for the following four key functions:

Workforce Planning

Workforce Planning explores the challenges, risks, and current datasets that encompass the unique workforces of relevant industry sectors.

Training Product Development

Training Product Development is key to addressing identified workforce challenges. It allows for regular reviews and new developments within training packages to ensure that training remains contemporary and fit for purpose.

Implementation, Promotion and Monitoring

Implementation, Promotion and Monitoring supports the delivery and effectiveness of training packages, and supports learners and Registered Training Organisations.

Industry Stewardship

Industry Stewardship requires JSCs to collect relevant information that guides the development of important policies, guidelines, and strategies.

How do JSCs work?

JSCs are funded through Grant Agreements with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). They work collaboratively with their industry-sectors and other stakeholders such as Jobs and Skills Australia to share industry intelligence and further the aims of the VET reforms.

All JSCs are governed through an elected Board, and hold Annual General Meetings with its ordinary and affiliate memberships.

What is Public Skills Australia?

Public Skills Australia is the JSC that works with the Public Safety and Government industry-sectors.

We play a pivotal role in responding to the workforce challenges and skills needs of these industry-sectors by conducting comprehensive skills assessments, listening deeply with our networks, and accelerating the introduction of new skills into the job market.

We aim to promote innovation in Public Safety and Government workforces, and identify potential shortages that our industry-sectors may face in the future.

Collaborating with our partners and members

Public Skills Australia values thorough consultation with its key industry and departmental stakeholders. This allows us to understand the workforce obstacles and training needs that are specific to each industry-sector.

We engage with and gather feedback from our stakeholders across our projects and activities through:
– participating in regular engagements
– conducting direct consultations
– delivering webinars
– creating surveys
– running and participating in workshops
– attending industry-specific conferences and events.

These approaches are implemented across all our subcommittees and networks that we work closely with to inform our work. Representatives from our industry-sectors have been invited to join our membership, or to participate in one of our subcommittees or networks.

Click [here](https://psa-website-beta.azurewebsites.net/our-governance) to learn more about these invaluable groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I establish a working relationship with Public Skills Australia?

Organisations can establish a working relationship with Public Skills Australia by joining a relevant subcommittee or network. Visit Subcommittees and Networks to find out more about our governance groups.

Get in touch with us via the contact form on our website or subscribe to our mailing list to find out more about our upcoming projects.

We also attend relevant conferences across the country. Follow us on LinkedIn to find out where you can see us next.

How do I subscribe to receive updates?

Which training packages are Public Skills Australia responsible for?

What is Workforce Planning?

One of Public Skills Australia’s core functions as a JSC, Workforce Planning aims to understand current and future workforce challenges and skills gaps to develop strategies in line with industry needs.

Each year, the Workforce Planning team produces a unique workforce plan for each industry-sector. The key findings from the workforce plans inform the other core JSC functions, including Training Product Development and Industry Stewardship.

Why is Workforce Planning important?

Workforce Planning provides strategic direction for Public Skills Australia’s other core functions as a JSC. These are:

– • Training Product Development
– • Implementation, Promotion and Monitoring
– • Industry Stewardship functions.

The identified skills gaps and workforce challenges allow Public Skills Australia to develop more targeted training products and share knowledge with industry.

What methodology does Workforce Planning use?

How have the Workforce Plans been implemented?

The key findings from the workforce plans have enabled Public Skills Australia to provide critical feedback to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on behalf of our industry to inform the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

Additionally, the identified skills gaps have been used to provide feedback on the national Skills Priority List that is published by Jobs and Skills Australia.

How can I get involved with the next workforce plans?

Image credits: State of Queensland (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) 2013-2024
State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2022 is licenced under CC BY 4.0