The Minns Labor Government has released the final report from the independent VET (Vocational Education and Training) Review Panel, marking a key milestone in its commitment to restoring the VET system in NSW.

The announcement, made at the National Skills Week event, hosted by Business Sydney and SkillsOne, emphasised the importance of skills development and vocational training in shaping the future workforce of the state.

The final report follows an extensive review and consultation process, including regional tours, roundtable sessions, a Skills Symposium, and discussions with more than 1,100 contributors.

The VET Review, a key election commitment, aims to provide a roadmap for rebuilding TAFE NSW, supporting learners, and strengthening the voice of local industry.

The final report contains 21 recommendations designed to transform and better integrate the VET system while supporting its stakeholders.

Key areas of focus include a new needs-based funding model, improved coordination of critical services, and enhanced support for equity cohorts, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners and those in regional areas.

In addition, the final report advocates for stronger ties and collaboration between government and industry, including formal commitments on skills development within priority sectors as well as building links between high school and post school training.

The NSW Government will consider all recommendations from both the interim and final reports and provide a formal response in due course.

In the meantime, work has already begun on progressing recommendations of the VET Review’s interim report, including commencing consultations on a new TAFE NSW Charter, and a revised TAFE NSW operating model.

The final report can be accessed here.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

"The VET Review Panel, led by Chair, Dr. Michele Bruniges AM, Verity Firth AM, and Jason Ardler PSM, worked tirelessly to provide the NSW Government with a report that comprehensively assesses and reimagines the VET system in NSW.

“The Panel has delivered a report which clearly reflects the issues the sector faces. It is now up to the Minns Labor Government to carefully consider the recommendations and deliver reform in this crucial sector.

"This Final Report cements the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to comprehensively review our VET system.

“We knew that after 12 years of neglect from the former government, we needed to understand the full damages caused to the sector.

“We will take our time to consider how to implement these reforms properly to rebuild a skills system that is delivering in our areas of critical need.”

VET Review Panel Chair, Dr. Michele Bruniges AM said:

“I would like to thank my fellow panellists for their insightful contributions and the many stakeholders whose views have helped shape our recommendations.

“The NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is critical to the future of our communities and our economy. How we develop the skills and capabilities of the NSW workforce for the future will be a key factor in addressing many of the major challenges facing our state.

“I am immensely proud to deliver this final report which sets out the panel’s aspiration for how the NSW VET system will meet this challenge with the NSW Government as its steward working collaboratively with our community and private providers.”