Employers and trainers are “remarkably adaptable and innovative” in dealing with the pandemic, according to new research from the estimable National Centre for Vocational Education Research.  

A “sizeable proportion” of employers also include training in their post COVID-19 recovery plans, with 69 per cent of a survey responders looking to re-skill existing staff on the job, ahead of employing experienced people (57 per cent) and employing apprentices and trainees (54 per cent). Employing skilled migrants  is the least popular plan, nominated by 7 per cent.

“The challenge will now be for the VET system to provide training services in a responsive way — one that meets employers’ evolving skill needs,” Ian White and Toni Rittie  suggest.

And while “a large proportion of employers” are satisfied with accredited training, White and Rittie suggest the reasons consistently cited by others are, relevant skills not taught and need for improved training.

VET must also meet challenges, in COVID-19 operating requirements, the “accelerating digitalisation of the workforce” and blending on-line and practical training.