31 Jul WAVE Welcomes Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Calls for ongoing leadership to address Gender Inequity in Skills and Training

Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE) extends a warm welcome to the Hon. Andrew Giles MP as the new Minister for Skills and Training. WAVE looks forward to continuing its already productive partnership with the Albanese Labour Government. A partnership that has been built on open dialogue with Minister Brendan O'Connor and his team as we work together to address gender inequity in vocational education and training.

While WAVE is optimistic about future collaboration, WAVE respectfully raises concerns that the Skills and Training portfolio is no longer a cabinet position and WAVE hopes that this does not affect the prioritisation of critical issues related to gender equity in vocational education and training.

National Co-Convenor Kit McMahon states, "The persistent evidence of gender inequity in VET and education requires our continued attention. We have valuable resources at our disposal, including the Gender Equality Strategy, Gender Responsive Budgeting, and the Women's Economic and Equality Taskforce. These tools provide a strong foundation for meaningful action."

WAVE is encouraged by recent developments, including the Inquiry into Australian Apprenticeships, investigations into the future VET workforce, the work of Jobs and Skills Australia, and the 2024 budget measure of the Building Women's Careers program. These initiatives represent positive steps towards addressing gender disparities in the sector.

In light of these developments, WAVE looks forward to Minister Giles continuing to advance the work to address inequity in Skills and Training policy. We advocate for continued support and expansion of initiatives that promote women's participation in VET programs and apprenticeships, while ensuring that funding for training and upskilling programs adequately address the needs of women in the workforce. Furthermore, we encourage Minister Giles to engage with stakeholders like WAVE and women with lived experience in VET, to develop comprehensive strategies for reducing gender pay gaps in and between vocational sectors.

WAVE remains committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality and equity in vocational education and training. We look forward to meeting with the incoming Minister and his engagement with WAVE and other stakeholders to build upon the progress made, and chart a course for a more equitable skills system.

For more information about our work and how to support our efforts, please visit wave.org.au. Together, we can continue to improve Australia's vocational education and training landscape for all.

Media contact:

Kit McMahon
National Co-Convenor - WAVE
wave@wave.org.au

About WAVE:

Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE) is a national network dedicated to promoting gender equity in adult and vocational education. WAVE advocates for policies and practices that support women's participation, achievement, and leadership in the VET sector.