There is no single pathway through learning and work.
People move between education, training and employment at different stages of their lives. Their experiences and aspirations differ, as do the opportunities available to them.
That idea is central to the inaugural Jobs & Skills Month. With the theme Pathways to Success, the month recognises the different ways Australians navigate learning and work. It also highlights the role of a connected jobs and skills system in making those pathways clearer and more accessible.
The experience of regional Australia adds an important dimension to this national conversation.
Around 30% of Australia’s working age population lives in regional Australia. Across the country, regional communities have their own strengths and opportunities as well as different workforce and skills needs.
During Jobs & Skills Month, Jobs and Skills Australia will release Phase 2 of the Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia.
The Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia Phase 1 provided a national framework for considering these needs. It looked at how the jobs and skills system can work better for people across regional Australia. Phase 1 also provided a starting point for conversations and action at the local level.
The aspirations of people living in regional Australia are central to the roadmap. Its five principles consider what the jobs and skills system need to better support people to achieve those aspirations.
Place is an important part of this picture.
The opportunities available to people are shaped by where they live. Local industries influence the kinds of jobs on offer. Access to education and training can affect how people develop the skills they need. These conditions differ across regional Australia, which is why local knowledge has an important role in shaping responses.
Jobs & Skills Month provides an opportunity to focus on these issues and share what is working across regional Australia. Organisations across Australia will use the month to share what they are learning and showcase initiatives already underway.
The month is also a chance to strengthen the connections that support people throughout their learning and working lives. By taking part, organisations can share what is working in their communities and learn from the experiences of others. These conversations can help us better understand the pathways people need and how the jobs and skills system can support them.
We encourage organisations across regional Australia to get involved in Jobs & Skills Month. There are many ways to take part and contribute to the conversation. By sharing experiences and learning from others, we can help create pathways that respond to local communities and support the aspirations of the people who live there.