The value of the critical contribution of the private training sector

The value of the critical contribution of the private training sector

The value of the critical contribution of the private training sector

Photo courtesy: NCVER

The private training sector is a critical contributor to Australia's vocational education and training system.

Currently, the private sector delivers 70% of vocational education and training in Australia. This includes the delivery of accredited courses that helps people develop new skills or improve their existing ones.

The private sector plays an important role in supporting pathways to jobs. It provides quality training that is responsive to the needs of employers and the changing workplace.

Their flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to meet the needs of industry and learners mean they play a vital role in ensuring Australia has the skilled workforce it needs to compete in the global economy. Private providers are also important for adult learners who may have work and other commitments.

The private training sector also provides valuable pathways for those who may not have considered TAFE as an option or who may not have been able to access a TAFE course due to geographical location or other constraints.

Investment in a strong public provider and greater subsidies and support for learners is welcomed. However, the importance of the private training sector cannot be understated.

Its contribution to the vibrancy of the vocational education and training landscape is essential, and its role in supporting pathways to employment must be recognised.

An investment in the private training sector is an investment in the future of Australia's workforce. It is vital to ensure that our economy remains globally competitive.

It is, therefore, important to remember that the success of Australia's VET system depends on both TAFE and the private training sector working together to provide the best possible outcomes for students. Investment in both is essential.

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Sukh Sandhu

Executive Director

Sukh has been working in the VET and Higher Education Industry for over 25 years. In this time, he has held several roles with RTO's and Higher Education Providers (HEP) including CEO roles for International Colleges and National Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager roles for several RTO's, TAFE's and Universities. Sukh has also worked for the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Business Systems Project Official. Sukh is a Canadian permanent resident and Australian citizen.

Sukh has had extensive project management experience in risk management, compliance, administration and as a training consultant. He has extensive knowledge in government compliance standards and has participated in nearly one hundred audits across Australia and provided consultancy advice regarding ASQA/VRQA, TEQSA, ACPET, DET-HESG, VQF/Higher Education, ELICOS, NEAS, ANMAC, AHPRA, CRICOS, ESOS and ISO.

Sukh is a member of several independent professional organisations and government bodies including, ACPET, VELG, ACS, AITD, MARA, MIA, ISANA, APEX, IEEE, The Internet Society (Global Member), AISIP, IAMOT, ACM, OISV, APACALL, IWA, Eta Kappa Nu, EDSIG and several others.

Sukh's qualifications include two MBAs, three masters in IT and systems, a Graduate diploma of management learning, Diploma in training design and development, Diploma in vocational education training, Diploma of work, health and safety, Diploma of Quality Auditing, Advanced diploma of management, Advanced diploma in marketing, human resources, information technology, and a number of other courses and qualifications. He has been working as a lecturer and as a trainer and assessor since 1998, Sukh has been a vocal advocate of audit reforms and system centred auditing practices rather than auditor centred auditing practices for many years.