Our priorities

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our skills system and the importance of attracting a talented workforce into sharp focus. To continue to grow our economy in inclusive ways, we need to ensure Canberrans have the right skills to get a great job, and businesses can find the talent they need.

Our work must address skills shortages today and build capability to support the growth of emerging industries that will create tomorrow’s bright opportunities.

To work towards these goals, the ACT Government is focused on delivering a skills and workforce agenda which is:

• inclusive and provides Canberrans with a foundation for lifelong learning
• responsive, flexible and future-focused
• proactive in helping employers build, attract and retain the right workforce
• built on strong and sustainable skills sector foundations.

We recognise Canberrans have a range of needs when it comes to skills and workforce. These guide the ACT Government's investments and the partnerships we seek to deliver on these priorities.

I am a young Canberran and I want:

• a strong base of knowledge, skills and capabilities that will support my personal and professional development
• to understand the range of career and education and training pathways
• a good, rewarding job that pays well enough to support me and my family
• to know that I’ll have government support to undertake my initial training.

I am an employer and I want:

• skilled workers who can help me grow my business
• education and training opportunities that meet my needs and those of my workforce
• information about how I can attract skilled workers from other parts of the country and other parts of the world
• to understand how I can support skills development in my workforce and where I can access the right training
• opportunities to co-invest in training and upskilling my workforce.

I am a current worker and I want:

• to progress through my career and learn new things along the way
• to understand my skills development needs throughout my career and connect with the right training
• support from my employer and the government to engage in continual professional development
• contemporary education and training opportunities to meet my needs, those of my employer and the changing economy.

I am a skilled migrant and I want:

• recognition from employers of my diverse knowledge, skills and capabilities, including my wealth of overseas experience in my nominated occupation
• employment opportunities that are not restricted to 'Australian or local' experience only
• a good, engaging job that pays well enough to help me and the my family settle and grow in Canberra.

I am an education and training provider and I want:

• to understand what employers and students need, so I can deliver tailored and up-to-date offerings
• the flexibility to adapt my offerings in line with changing workforce need
• secure and reliable funding so I can invest in my own business and workforce, and deliver high-quality and relevant training.