Mr Neil Coulson was appointed as the first Victorian Skills Commissioner (VSC) in December 2015. This independent role signalled a new direction in how industry would engage with the training system. The VSC works with employers, unions and government to better align training with the needs of the Victorian industry and economy. This will ensure the training requirements of students and employers are met, and that skills outcomes support the Government’s economic objectives for productivity and growth. The VSC provides advice to the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Training and Skills on the following: - How the training system can better support the economy and jobs by addressing skills shortages, meeting workforce training needs and boosting productivity for employers. - How industry input can lead to more strategic and targeted interventions to align the training system with industry needs. - The training needs of existing and emerging industries. - Promoting training pathways that lead to jobs and skills development in the workforce. - Addressing the training and workforce development needs of Victoria’s regions. The VSC’s initial focus was to establish and oversee a new industry engagement framework to ensure training aligns with Victoria’s labour market requirements. The Industry Engagement Framework was launched on 10 August 2016 and facilitates information sharing and collaboration between government, employers, trade unions and training providers. Aligning education and training offered by local institutions with the current and future needs of the state and regional economies will be vital in the years ahead. The VSC is also a point of integration, supported by the Department of Education and Training and working across other Government agencies to support the Government’s broader economic and social policy objectives.