The blueprint underscores the need for a comprehensive recalibration of policies to place students at the heart of skills funding decisions. By empowering students with greater choice, Australia’s skills training system can meet the needs of a dynamic, evolving economy. 

Independent Registered Training Organisations will play a pivotal role in delivering the skills training needed to meet the demand for adaptable, future-proof skills. Independent providers already support 90 per cent of all students in skills training, including over 70 per cent of those enrolled in Diploma-level qualifications or higher, and around half of all apprentices and trainees. This highlights the vital role these organisations play in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.

This paper calls for government reforms that are provider-agnostic, ensuring that students have the freedom to choose between independent RTOs or public TAFE colleges, based on a student’s individual needs. Such reforms would create a more diverse and innovative economy, enabling the nation to remain adaptable to the challenges of a rapidly changing workforce. The report also includes Higher education and international education reform priorities.