Industry currency research project
The Queensland Skills Plan 2008 delivers on the Queensland Government's commitment to create one of the most flexible, modern and innovative education and training systems in Australia. Queensland's vocational education and training providers play a critical role in ensuring Queensland workers have the skills required for the current and future needs of the state's economy. With such a strong focus at both the national and state government level, on building and increasing the skills of the whole workforce, it is timely for registered training organisations (RTOs) in Queensland to pause and reflect on the skills of its own workforce.
The research project and consultation process focused on how Queensland VET providers are maintaining their industry currency in technical skills and knowledge of training staff. A discussion paper (PDF 449KB) was prepared to support consultations with key stakeholders.
The Industry Currency research project collected qualitative data through face to face interviews and questionnaires for industry, RTO managers and trainers and other VET stakeholders.
The research report Keeping it real: Industry Currency of Trainers in Queensland (601KB) has now been released. It seeks to raise awareness of issues relating to industry currency and to clarify what is required for trainers to demonstrate and maintain industry currency.
'Industry currency' is the maintenance of a trainer's vocational technical skills and knowledge. It enables trainers to deliver and assess vocational training relevant to current industry practices. Industry currency is essential to build the capacity of the Queensland VET sector. It also strengthens, builds and maintains relationships with industry.
Industry currency is not simply about releasing staff or staff exchange programs (between VET and industry). Rather it is about continuously improving the quality of training delivered to VET students.
Please follow this link to the presentation by DET staff disseminating the findings of the industry currency research (PDF 464).
- Last updated:
- 17-June-2010