New solutions needed to boost productivity

Fresh approaches to national skills training are urgently needed in order to meet the challenges of the economic downturn and to position Australia for a return to growth and prosperity, according to a consortium of peak industry, trade union and youth advocacy bodies. A report released today by the National Skills Policy Collaboration (NSPC) - comprising the Australian Industry Group, Australian Council of Trade Unions, Group Training Australia, Australian Education Union and Dusseldorp Skills Forum - recommends a new wave of training reform to take advantage of opportunities beyond the current economic crisis. The report, Investing Wisely, sets out a framework to elevate skills development and to entrench a culture of learning across the workforce.