Tony Moore reports in the Brisbane Times (15.9.16) on the release of a joint report from Central Queensland University and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry which argues that drastic changes and investment are needed in the state’s vocational training sector.
‘Queensland needs sweeping changes to its vocational education sector or the Sunshine State will be simply left behind, two leading business and education forums will tell Queensland politicians on Friday.
‘A new report sets a dramatic target to have all Queensland students finish Year 12 by 2025 and recommends remodelling the vocational educational market to match this new model.
‘Increasing access to robotics in manufacturing and other sectors shows all employees will need access to “new digital tools” as they face modern technological infrastructure.
‘These new “digital tools” and problem-solving skills are two keys as construction and resource sector jobs decline and as Queensland’s population ages.
‘New technology should be embraced to challenge the “tyranny of distance” in Queensland, Australia’s largest and most diverse state, the report says.’