Peter Noonan writes in The Conversation (26.9.16) about the need for independent oversight of government funding for universities and vocational training institutes.
‘People without a tertiary education will be increasingly less able to participate in the future labour market.
‘Over the five years to November 2015, the majority of Australia’s employment growth was in occupations that require post-school qualifications through either university or vocational education and training (VET).
‘This is no longer a trend – it is an established labour market reality.
‘The Department of Employment projects that of the almost 1 million jobs expected to be created in Australia from 2015-2020, 920,000 will require a post-school education. Only 69,000 jobs – just 3.4% of the total – will be available for people who do not progress beyond Year 12 or equivalent.
‘Despite a clear and present need to continually train and educate Australians, universities, TAFEs and other institutions tasked with this critical job are funded by a flawed and failing system.’