“Nobody can predict what some of the specific jobs of the future will look like.  That is why an agile and adaptable education system is so essential for driving future productivity gains”

The Commission’s interim report, “From learning to growth” is out for comment this morning. There is a bunch to comment on, including critical assessment of the previous government’s Job Ready Graduates funding model (scroll down)

While not ruling out full-fee courses the Commission proposes three ways government should subsidise study

* “more equitably, either in-line with private benefits or as a flat rate”

* annual prices and loan caps set on “the efficient cost of delivery”

* gradual introduction of loans in VET for Certificate III and up

As for subsidies based on skills shortages

“subsidy differentials have little effect on behaviour.”

Plus, “students appear to make good choices of their own volition. They have the best information about their own abilities and interests, making them well disposed to make decisions about what they will enjoy – and benefit from – studying.”

And there are limitations to teaching delivery

* “incentives to invest in teaching quality are dampened by limitations to informed student choice and tightly controlled system settings”

*  technology can improve “access and outcomes” but not “poorly designed on-line courses”

* VET graduates need to be more adaptable to rapidly changing skill needs, career progression and lifelong learning